UCSB    LIBRARY 


. 


VIRGINIA 


BAPTIST  MINISTEKS. 


A  teefe   &    i  AI  LUR. 


<Hit|j  an  gntwtatu 

BY    REV.    J.    B.    JETER,    D.  D. 


I3ST     TWO     SERIES. 


SERIES    II. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT   &   CO. 

T.    J.    STARKE,    RICHMOND,    TA. 
J.  F.  WEISHAMPEL,  JK.,  BALTIMORE. 

1859. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1859,  by 
JAMES    B.    TAYLOR, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Eastern  District  of  Virginia. 


PRINTED  BY 

LIPPINCOTT    &    CO., 

PHILADELPHIA. 


PREFACE  TO   THE  SECOND  SERIES. 

THE  sketches  contained  in  this  volume,  with  a  few  exceptions,  are  the 
memoirs  of  those  ministers  of  Virginia  who  have  passed  away  since  the 
issue  of  the  second  edition.  Thousands  of  the  members  of  our  churches 
will,  we  think,  recognize  in  them  a  truthful  portraiture  of  men,  loved 
for  their  work's  sake. 


CONTENTS  OF  SECOND  SERIES. 


ABELL,  John  S 510 

Alvis,  John  W 327 

Amory,  E.  S 325 

Anthony,  John 83 

Baker,  Joseph 322 

Ball,  Eli 334 

Bird,  John 479 

Blair,  William 127 

Brame,  Samuel 92 

Brame,  William 123 

Broaddus,  Andrew 238 

Broaddus,  Mordecai  W 332 

Brockman,  Joshua  L 292 

Brown,  Samuel 376 

Burnley,  Charles  F 496 

Carter,  John 377 

Carter,  John  G 385 

Chadoin,  Lewis 219 

Clay,  John 91 

Clopton,  AbnerW 388 

Clopton,  James 97 

Clopton,  Samuel  C.T 316 


Coleman,  Robert  G 381 

Collins,  Elisha 46 

Conduit,  Thomas 90 

Creath,  Melancthon  L 512 

Curtis,  Thomas 174 

Dale,  Jeremiah 9 

Daniel,  Robert  T 142 

Davis,  Jesse 214 

Davis,  John 284 

Dickenson,  Griffith 216 

Dix,  Levin 189 

Dix,  William  A 358 

Duncan,  William 311 

Ellison,  Joseph 19 

Estes,  Elliott 60 

Fisher,  Caleb 103 

Gaskins,  William  M 353 

George,  Z.  Jeter ^>04 

Gilbert,  James 131 

Goodall,  John 296 

iii 


CONTENTS   OF  SECOND  SERIES. 


Gordon,  John  Churchill 227 

Goss,  Jesse  Hamilton 236 

Goss,  John 513 

Hatchett,  William 360 

Herndon,  Jacob  W 202 

Herndon,  John  C 223 

Herndon,  Traverse  D 451 

Hickerson,  John 210 

Hinton,  Isaac  Taylor 71 

Hiter,  William  Y 155 

Hubbard,  John 65 

Hurt,  Philemon 94 

Jeffries,  James  G 84 

Jennett,  C.  B 444 

Jessee,  David 288 

Johnston,  John  Nash 179 

Jones,  Meriweather  L 329 

Jones,  Scervant 438 

Keaton.  Johnson 20 

Kerr,  John 109 

La  Fon,  Sr.,  Thomas 286 

Lee,  John  S 119 

Leland,  John 30 

Leftwich,  James 425 

Leftwich,  William 133 

Lewis,  Addison  M 474 

Lewis,  Charles  A 484 

Lilly,  Robert 104 

Longenacre,  James 500 

Love,  George 416 

r 

Martin,  Jordan 440 

Mason,  Valentine  M 490 

Matthews,  Philip 281 

McGehee,  David  B 348 

Montague,  Philip 433 


Montague,  Philip  T 09 

Murrell,  Robert 176 

Neale,  John 278 

Northam,  George 25 

Nunnally,  Leonard 80 

Ogilvie,  John 464 

Osburne,  Josiah 22 

Patterson,  George 124 

Raynolds,  George  H 88 

Reid,  James 198 

Reynoldson,  J  S 401 

Roper,  David 5 

Scott,  David  W 48 

Segar,  Henry  G 331 

Sherwood,  Smith 379 

Smith,  Poindexter  P 461 

Southwood,  William 76 

Spencer,  John 56 

Street,  'Z 184 

Talliaferro,  William  A 67 

Templeman,  Samuel 192 

Tinsley,  David 100 

Todd,  William 170 

Todd,  William  B 186 

Wheeler,  Charles 42 

Witt,  Jesse 365 

Wood,  Matthew 172 

Woodson,  David  M  383 

Woodson,  Edwin  W 17 

Wooldridge,  John 62 

Woolfolk,  Spilsby 75 

Wright,  John 173 

Wright,  William  A 222 


LIVES   OF 
VIRGINIA    BAPTIST    MINISTERS. 


DAVID    ROPER.* 

THE  REV.  DAVID  ROPER  was  born  September  27th,  1792,  in 
the  County  of  Charles  City.  His  father,  David  Roper,  was  a 
respectable  farmer,  noted  for  the  industry,  frugality,  and  independ- 
ence of  spirit  which  characterized  the  time  and  country  in  which 
he  lived,  and  remarkable  for  his  punctilious  observance  of  promises 
and  for  his  benevolence  to  the  poor.  His  mother  was  a  Christian, 
and  prayed  devoutly  for  her  children.  Such  intercessions  com- 
monly prevail,  and  the  instruction  and  example  which  always 
accompany  them,  when  sincere,  cannot  be  without  effect.  The 
subject  of  this  hasty  sketch  enjoyed,  while  a  boy,  no  other  advan- 
tages for  instruction  than  those  which  are  furnished  in  ordinary 
schools.  In  one  of  these,  however,  he  received  the  elements  of  a 
plain  English  education,  and  at  a  very  early  period  distinguished 
himself  by  his  attainments  and  skill  in  arithmetical  calculations. 
This  fact  might  have  been  passed  over  in  silence,  were  it  not  con- 
sidered as  an  early  indication  of  the  superior  rational  powers  with 
which  his  mind  was  to  be  afterwards  possessed. 

It  was  not  until  1810  that  he  commenced,  in  Richmond,  such 
English,  mathematical,  and  classical  studies  as  by  attainments  in 
which  he  became  qualified  for  future  usefulness.  In  these  his 
progress  was  astonishing.  Not  quite  two  years  were  employed 
in  the  accomplishment  of  an  amount  of  Latin  literature  equal  to 

*  Prepared  by  Elder  Henry  Keeling. 

1  *  (5) 


6  DAVID    ROPER. 

what  is  completed  by  graduates  in  our  most  respectable  colleges. 
And  the  facility  was  as  great  with  which  he  acquired  a  knowledge 
of  the  Greek  language.  In  all  probability,  it  was  now  that  his 
constitution  began  to  be  impaired.  Four  years'  unceasing  appli- 
cation to  books,  during  a  part  of  which  time  he  boarded  in  the 
country,  at  a  distance  of  three  or  four  miles,  which  he  walked, 
returning  the  same  day,  reduced  him  from  a  strong  and  healthy, 
to  a  thin  and  pallid  appearance.  Here  we  could  stop  and  weep, 
that  in  their  development,  talent  and  virtue  should  so  frequently  be 
clogged  with  hindrances  and  privation.  But  we  are  checked  by 
the  possibility  that  hindrances  and  privation  produce  application 
and  system,  which  more  than  counterbalance  their  own  disadvan- 
tages. Certain  it  is,  that  many  of  the  most  distinguished  indivi- 
duals who  adorn  the  annals  of  literature  and  religion,  and  who 
occupy  the  most  responsible  and  useful  stations  in  life,  have 
become  qualified  for  them  in  the  midst  of  appalling  disadvan- 


About  the  close  of  1813  he  completed  his  classical  studies  with 
the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Semple,  of  King  and  Queen,  and  shortly 
after  commenced  the  study  of  medicine  under  the  direction  of  the 
late  Dr.  James  Greenhow.  His  progress  in  this  study  induced 
the  doctor  to  remark,  "Mr.  Roper  had  acquired  as  much  know- 
ledge of  medicine  in  one  year,  as  young  men  generally  obtain  in 
two."  His  early  marriage  rendered  it  necessary  to  abandon  the 
pursuit  of  a  profession,  preparation  for  which  required  so  much 
time ;  and  now  his  efforts  and  patrimonial  estate  were  embarked 
in  mercantile  life,  in  which,  in  the  course  of  one  year,  he  proved 
entirely  unsuccessful,  and  failed.  By  this  disaster  his  circum- 
stances were  very  much  reduced ;  and  no  other  means,  for  the 
time,  presenting  themselves,  by  which  his  family  might  be  sup- 
ported, he  engaged  in  copying  the  records  of  a  court.  In  this 
unprofitable  employment  it  was  necessary  to  toil  twelve  or  fifteen 
hours  a  day  to  secure  sustenance  and  comfort. 

But  such  talents  as  those  with  which  Mr.  Roper  had  been 
blessed  by  his  Maker  could  not  remain  unseen  by  the  intelligent 
and  the  good.  In  1817  he  was  employed  by  Judge  Bouldin  as 
a  clerk  for  the  management  of  an  extensive  estate,  in  discharging 
the  duties  of  which  his  integrity,  knowledge  of  accounts,  and 


DAVID   ROPER.  7 

assiduity,  secured  the  unchanging  confidence  and  friendship  of  his 
employer.  In  this  office  he  continued,  at  an  annual  salary  of 
$1200,  until  the  year  1822,  when  the  estate  required  a  clerk  no 
longer.  Afterwards,  he  occupied  responsible  stations  in  the  two 
banks  in  this  city,  one  of  which  he  filled  until  his  death ;  and  in 
these  he  gave  entire  satisfaction  and  obtained  universal  regard. 

It  was  while  at  school  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Semple  that  he  made 
a  profession  of  religion.  In  a  letter  to  his  brother  about  that 
time,  describing  his  religious  exercises  of  heart,  he  remarks :  "You 
may  think  it  strange  when  I  tell  you  I  am  born  again."  Of  the 
reality  of  this  change  his  subsequent  life  afforded  satisfactory 
proof.  To  what  extent  the  instruction  of  his  venerable  preceptor 
may  have  been  blessed  in  the  production  of  this  change  is  unknown 
to  the  writer  of  this  sketch.  But  it  is  well  known  to  all  his 
friends,  that  till  the  end  of  his  days  he  looked  up  to  him  and 
admired  and  loved  him  as  a  father.  Soon  afterwards,  he  attached 
himself  to  the  Baptist  church,  in  which  he  was  licensed  to  the 
exercise  of  gifts  in  public  teaching  and  exhorting,  and  then  fully 
ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry. 

Upon  the  constitution  of  the  Second  Baptist  Church,  Richmond, 
in  1819,  he  received  an  affectionate  call  to  be  their  pastor.  This 
call  it  was  not  possible  that  he  accepted  from  any  other  motive 
than  an  impression  of  imperious  duty.  The  number  of  members 
in  the  church  did  not  exceed  thirty ;  among  these  there  was  but 
little  wealth;  the  house  in  which  they  worshiped  was  rented; 
the  congregation  was  to  collect ;  and  the  boundaries  of  the  differ- 
ent churches  and  worshiping  assemblies  appeared  to  be  distinctly 
marked.  But  of  this  small  number  there  were  praying  and  active 
men.  And  their  efforts,  under  the  Divine  blessing,  were  successful 
in  the  erection  of  a  commodious  and  neat  edifice  dedicated  to  the 
service  of  God.  But  it  is  easy  to  see,  that  under  circumstances 
like  these  their  pastor  could  not  be  supported  without  his  own 
individual  toils. 

Now  his  labors  were  too  heavy  to  be  sustained  by  any  man  of 
feeble  constitution.  The  enlightened  understanding,  the  refined 
taste,  and  the  high  sense  of  ministerial  duty  possessed  by  Mr. 
Roper  did  not  permit  him  to  enter  the  sacred  desk  with  a  mind 
unprepared,  by  previous  thought  and  research,  to  discuss,  explain. 


8  DAVID   ROPER, 

and  enforce  the  subject  of  his  discourse.  But  the  time  requisite 
to  be  devoted  to  thought  and  research  for  the  matter  and  form 
of  his  religious  discourses  he  was  compelled  to  subtract  from  that 
portion  which  his  health  demanded  for  exercise,  relaxation,  and 
repose.  Of  the  intenseness  with  which  he  labored  in  the  collection 
of  solid,  evangelical  sentiments  for  the  good  of  his  hearers,  the 
mass  of  manuscript  sermons  which  he  has  left  behind  him,  and  the 
distinctness  with  which  they  remain  engraved  on  the  memory  and 
hearts  of  many  of  those  to  whom  they  were  addressed,  are  affecting 
evidences.  An  agreeable  manner  in  the  'pulpit  is  the  only  excel- 
lence, as  a  preacher,  which  he  did  not  possess ;  and  in  this  par- 
ticular itself,  he  surpassed  many  whose  names  are  justly  enrolled 
among  the  most  eminent  pastors  in  our  country.  For  clearness 
of  method,  force  of  argument,  aptness  of  illustration,  purity  of 
language,  and  correctness  in  sentiment,  as  to  doctrine  and  precept, 
his  sermons  were  remarkable.  Yet,  in  the  midst  of  life,  at  an 
age  when  the  intellectual  and  bodily  powers  of  man  are  scarcely 
at  maturity,  a  mysterious  Providence  calls  him  away.  Some  time 
in  1825  his  declining  health  compelled  him  to  relinquish  his  charge, 
and  as  much  as  a  year  elapsed,  before  his  death,  in  which  he  was 
totally  unable  to  preach. 

In  the  last  summer  and  autumn  his  friends  and  physicians 
thought  that  traveling  might  improve  his  health  ;  but  from  this  he 
was  prevented,  it  is  believed,  exclusively  by  his  attachment  to  his 
domestic  enjoyments.  Indeed,  he  said  that  when  away  from  his 
family  his  mind  never  felt  at  rest.  Then  the  idea  was  cherished, 
while  the  blasts  of  winter  would  apparently  destroy  him,  that  the 
mildness  of  spring  might  be  instrumental  in  his  restoration.  But 
the  sudden  transition  from  cold  to  mild  weather  in  the  month  of 
February,  was  accompanied  by  an  immediate  prostration  of  all 
bodily  energy,  and  in  ten  days  he  fell  asleep. 

He  had  long  before  told  his  physicians  not  to  fear  declaring  to 
him  any  apprehensions  they  might  have  as  to  the  issue  of  his 
indisposition — that  he  was  not  afraid  to  die.  In  his  sickness, 
during  six  weeks'  confinement  to  the  house,  his  mind  was  com- 
posed. Shortly  before  his  death  he  selected,  as  the  text,  (whose 
improvement  he  wished  at  his  funeral,)  the  words,  "  Xot  by  works 
of  righteousness,  which  we  have  done,"  etc.  "While  sinking  into 


JEREMIAH   DALE.  9 

death,  his  mind,  from  the  nature  of  the  disease  which  oppressed 
his  body,  was  not  joyous ;  but  it  was  calm  and  resigned,  trusting 
in  the  compassion  of  God  and  the  merits  and  intercession  of  the 
Redeemer.  On  the  28th  February,  1827,  at  three  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  he  reached  the  other  side  of  "the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death."  In  this  passage  he  had  been  supported  by  the  conso- 
lations of  the  gospel — "a  rod  and  a  staff."  "The  wicked  is 
driven  away  in  his  wickedness ;  but  the  righteous  hath  hope  in 
his  death."  On  Thursday,  at  four  o'clock  P.M.,  his  remains 
were  taken  to  the  Second' Baptist  Church,  at  which,  notwithstand- 
ing the  great  inclemency  of  the  day,  a  large  concourse  of  respect- 
able citizens  had  assembled.  In  accordance  with  the  request  of 
the  deceased,  an  appropriate  address  was  made  by  the  Rev.  H. 
Keeling ;  and  then  a  solemn  procession  followed  the  corpse  to  the 
grave,  "the  house  appointed  for  all  living." 

As  a  Christian,  Mr.  Roper  was  sentimental  and  exemplary. 
Adhering  to  the  doctrine,  that  salvation  is  by  grace  alone,  he  main- 
tained the  necessity  of  a  holy  life.  In  his  manners,  unostentatious 
and  retiring,  yet  firmly  attached  to  what  he  deemed  to  be  right. 
Fixed  in  the  belief  that  the  sentiments  peculiar  to  his  own  de- 
nomination are  true,  yet  opposed  to  bigotry;  economical,  yet 
liberal.  No  man  afforded  pecuniary  aid  to  a  greater  extent  than 
he,  in  proportion  to  his  means,  to  support  the  cause  of  Christ  and 
his  gospel.  "Diligent  in  business,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the 
Lord." 

An  afflicted  widow,  four  children,  and  an  affectionate  brother, 
lament,  in  this  bereavement,  an  irreparable  loss;  while  the  cause 
of  virtue,  knowledge,  and  piety,  is  deprived  of  an  able  advocate 
and  a  firm  supporter. 


JEREMIAH    DALE.* 

ELDER  DALE  was  born  at  Danvers,  Massachusetts,  in  1Y8T.  At 
the  age  of  eighteen  he  became  the  subject  of  religious  impressions 
and  hopeful  conversion,  and  united  with  the  Baptist  church  in 

*  Prepared  by  a  committee  of  Marietta  Church. 


10  JEREMIAH   DALE. 

Danvers,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  Chaplin.  He  had 
early  impressions  that  it  was  his  duty  to  preach  the  gospel ;  but 
the  want  of  education,  and,  in  his  view,  other  requisite  quali- 
fications, deterred  him  from  the  undertaking.  Being  by  trade 
a  wheelwright,  he  pursued  his  business  with  diligence,  and  endea- 
vored to  satisfy  himself  with  the  performance  of  such  duties  as 
devolve  on  every  private  Christian. 

In  1816  he  removed  to  Ohio  and  settled  in  Zanesville,  intending 
to  devote  himself  to  his  trade.  But  a  series  of  adverse  Provi- 
dences induced  him  to  review  the  subject  of  duty  and  devote  him- 
self to  the  Christian  ministry.  Within  two  years  after  his  settle- 
ment at  Zanesville  he  buried  his  first  wife  and  two  children ;  and 
in  about  two  years  more,  a  second  wife ;  and  not  long  after,  his 
large  and  commodious  shop,  with  all  its  contents,  was  consumed 
by  fire.  Finally,  he  was  called  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a  third  wife 
and  her  child.  Thus  bereaved  and  afflicted,  he  was  led  to  review 
his  steps.  He  considered  these  afflictive  dispensations  as  the 
corrections  of  his  Heavenly  Father,  and,  yielding  to  the  impres- 
sions of  duty,  became  a  preacher  of  righteousness.  Before  this 
time,  however,  a  Baptist  church  had  been  organized  in  Zanes- 
ville, under  the  care  of  Elder  George  C.  Sedwick.  Mr.  Dale  was 
elected  and  ordained  a  deacon  of  this  church,  and  discharged  the 
duties  of  the  office  with  great  diligence  and  fidelity.  His  pastor, 
believing  it  to  be  his  duty  to  preach,  took  pains  to  introduce  him 
gradually  into  the  ministerial  employment,  until  he  was  himself 
convinced  what  was  duty. 

Elder  Dale  was  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry  at  a  Conven- 
tion of  Baptist  Churches  convened  at  Bristol,  Morgan  County, 
Ohio,  on  the  8th  of  May,  1825.  From  this  time  he  relinquished 
all  worldly  employment,  and  with  a  zeal  and  perseverance  seldom 
equaled,  devoted  himself  and  all  his  faculties  to  the  work.  In 
June,  1825,  he  took  charge  of  Mount  Zion  and  Bethesda  Baptist 
Churches  on  Little  Kanhawa  River,  in  Virginia,  and  in  the  next 
month  began  his  labors  in  the  Marietta  Baptist  Church,  Ohio.  He 
likewise  visited  and  labored  occasionally  with  Parkersburg  Church, 
Yirginia.  Soon  after  the  commencement  of  his  labors  with  the  Ma- 
rietta Church,  it  held  regular  meetings  at  three  distinct  places,  at 
each  of  which  he  ministered  monthly.  The  members  were  scat- 


JEREMIAH  DALE.  11 

tered  to  the  extent  of  more  than  forty  miles.  But  these  were  not 
the  boundaries  of  his  labor.  Neighboring  districts  seemed  con- 
tinually to  invite  him  to  enlarge  his  sphere  of  action,  till  his 
travels,  from  about  three  hundred  miles  per  month,  increased  in 
the  end  to  more  than  four  hundred.  His  exertions  were  inces- 
sant. No  man  could  devote  himself  more  thoroughly,  may  we 
not  say,  none  more  disinterestedly?  It  is  apprehended  that  he 
received  from  those  to  whom  he  ministered  scarcely  enough  to 
defray  his  current  expenditures.  He  was  punctual  to  his  appoint- 
ments. But  it  is  remarkable  that  through  all  this  course  of  exer- 
tion his  health  was  seldom  or  never  good.  He  exerted  himself  as 
one  who  had  a  great  work  to  perform  in  a  little  time.  This  work 
increased  rapidly  on  his  hands,  till,  at  length,  his  services  were 
divided  between  five  churches  who  waited  on  his  ministry;  and 
among  these  the  Marietta  Church  alone  presented  a  field  of  labor 
such  as  is  seldom  well  occupied  by  any  one  man.  It  has  been 
remarked  concerning  him,  while  thus  engaged,  that  he  seemed 
hurrying  fast,  too  fast  for  us,  to  the  haven  of  rest  and  peace.  In 
the  early  part  of  1831  his  health  was  evidently  on  the  decline. 
In  the  spring  he  became  so  feeble  that  he  was  obliged  to  desist 
from  his  labors.  Having  labored  in  the  ministry  with  almost  un- 
exampled perseverance  and  with  remarkable  success  during  six 
years,  he  bade  those  who  had  been  under  his  faithful  charge  an 
affectionate  farewell,  and  with  some  faint  prospect  of  renovated 
health,  commenced  his  journey  to  the  East.  On  the  fourteenth 
of  July,  1831,  he  arrived  in  his  native  town  of  Danvers,  near 
Boston.  After  a  few  days  he  went  to  visit  a  brother  residing  in 
Gloucester,  about  twenty  miles  from  Danvers.  While  in  Glou- 
cester the  solicitude  of  friends  induced  him  to  attempt  three  ser- 
vices on  Lord's  day,  July  24th.  On  the  next  day  he  returned  to 
Danvers,  being  desirous  of  attending  a  series  of  religious  meet- 
ings which  were  to  commence  on  Tuesday  the  26th.  It  is  said 
that  his  presence  and  exhortation  cheered  the  people  on  the  first 
two  days  of  meeting,  but  on  the  third  he  was  so  feeble  that  he 
attempted  no  service.  On  the  morning  of  the  following  day  he 
discharged  blood  freely  from  his  lungs.  His  late  exertion  had 
probably  hastened  and  aggravated  his  complaints.  By  medical 
aid  the  discharge  of  blood  was  soon  stayed,  but  his  internal  powers 


12  JEREMIAH  DALE. 

were  so  reduced  that  no  human  aid  could  stay  the  ebbing  tide  of 
life.  He  declined  rapidly  until  September  4th,  when,  as  we  trust, 
his  happy  spirit  took  its  flight  to  the  realms  of  bliss. 

He  has  left  an  only  son  to  mourn  his  loss.  It  must  have  been 
highly  consoling  to  him  that  this  affectionate  and  promising  child, 
then  a  student  of  Brown  University,  should  have  been  permitted 
to  administer  the  last  kind  offices  of  humanity  to  the  sinking 
parent.  When  sensible  of  his  approaching  dissolution,  his  mind 
appeared  tranquil,  and  his  thoughts  seemed  to  dwell  on  heavenly 
subjects.  His  feelings  in  regard  to  the  people  of  his  charge  are 
well  expressed  by  his  son  in  a  letter  communicating  the  news  of 
his  death.  The  churches  in  a  far  distant  region  "  are  called  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  a  pastor,  ardently  and  untiringly  devoted  to 
their  interest ;  who  ceased  not  to  warn  every  one  night  and  day 
with  tears ;"  "  who  counted  not  his  life  dear  unto  himself  so  that  he 
might  finish  his  course  with  joy  and  the  ministry  which  he  had 
received  of  the  Lord  Jesus."  His  sickness  was  without  much  pain 
till  the  last  two  days,  on  the  last  of  which  his  bodily  suffering  was 
such  as  to  take  away  his  reason. 

The  following  account  of  Elder  Dale's  last  conversation  is  ex- 
tracted from  a  letter  written  by  a  friend : — 

"  If  he  ever  betrayed  any  anxiety,  it  was  for  the  people  of  his 
flock.  You  may  learn,  in  some  good  degree,  what  was  the  general 
state  of  his  mind  by  the  remarks  which  dropped  from  his  lips  on 
the  fifteenth  of  August,  when  all  hopes  of  recovery  were  aban- 
doned both  by  himself  and  others ;  and  these  are  expressions  of 
his  general  state  of  mind  during  his  very  short  confinement. 

"  'I  have,'  said  he,  'no  wish  to  live  beyond  my  usefulness.  It 
seems  my  labors  are  ended  on  earth,  and  the  time  of  my  departure 
is  at  hand.  I  wish  to  go  and  to  be  with  Christ ;  I  feel  perfectly 
resigned  to  the  will  of  God  whether  in  life  or  death.  His  will  is 
perfectly  right.  His  promises  are  my  support  and  comfort  My 
faith  is  unshaken.  I  am  a  poor  sinner,  entirely  dependent  on  the 
grace  of  God  for  salvation.  I  have  felt  that  I  deserved  hell,  but 
his  grace  has  comforted  me.  I  have  delighted  to  dwell  on  this 
doctrine  in  my  ministry.  And  now,  if  I  had  no  sweet  experience 
of  that  grace,  my  soul  would  sink.  If  any  good  has  been  done  by 
my  poor  labors,  grace  has  done  it,  and  to  God  be  all  the  glory. 


JEREMIAH   DALE.  13 

I  disclaim  all  merit.  My  whole  dependence  is  on  the  blood  and 
righteousness  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'  He  then  particularly 
spoke  of  Jesus  as  the  ground  of  his  hope.  '  Oh  how  precious,' 
said  he,  'is  Jesus  !  He  is  my  foundation.  On  him  I  now  rest, 
and  death  brings  not  terror  with  it.  The  gospel  I  have  tried  to 
preach  is  precious ;  it  supports  me  in  looking  beyond  the  grave.' 

"  The  last  interview  which  I  had  with  this  dear  brother  was  on 
Saturday,  the  day  before  his  death.  After  much  interruption, 
and  at  intervals,  he  made  the  following  remarks :  '  Yesterday  I 
had  a  sweet  day.  Jesus  was  near  me ;  my  eye  was  fixed  upon  my 
home  in  heaven.  To-day  my  pain  has  been  such  that  I  have 
been  able  but  for  a  few  moments  at  a  time  to  know  my  own  mind. 
I  know,  however,  that  I  am  going,  and  I  wish  to  go.  Death  has 
no  terrors.'  He  then  said,  'I  wish  you  to  make  a  short  prayer.' 
I  asked  him  what  I  should  pray  for.  He  replied,  with  great 
readiness, 'Pray  that  I  may  be  delivered.'  And  asking  him  from 
what  he  wished  to  be  delivered,  he  replied,  with  much  firmness, 
'  I  have  loved  Jesus ;  I  have  loved  his  people  and  his  cause.  He 
has  blessed  my  poor  labors.  I  can  serve  him  no  longer.  Pray 
that  I  may  die  and  be  with  him.' " 

Of  the  usefulness  of  Elder  Dale's  labors  it  is  difficult  to  speak 
in  adequate  terms.  Their  best  memorial  is  on  the  hearts  of  those 
to  whom  he  ministered.  The  intensity  of  those  labors  has  been 
already  noticed.  So  constant  was  he  in  traveling,  preaching,  and 
exhorting,  that  during  his  ministry  he  had  no  certain  dwelling- 
place.  "He  made  no  pretensions  to  the  fame  of  an  eloquent 
orator."  But  in  the  faithful  warnings  and  entreaties  of  an  affec- 
tionate pastor  he  exerted  a  most  salutary  influence  over  those 
among  whom  he  labored.  Daring  his  six  years'  labor  it  is  under- 
stood that  more  than  three  hundred  were  added  to  the  churches 
under  his  care ;  probably  about  that  number  were  baptized  by  him- 
self. He  was  called  on  to  baptize  more  or  less  almost  every  week 
for  months  together,  and  yet  he  never  baptized  more  than  five  at 
a  time,  and  this  number  he  did  baptize  repeatedly. 

On  the  fourth  Sabbath  of  October,  1831,  Elder  George  C.  Sed- 
wick  preached  a  sermon  commemorative  of  the  deceased,  at  the 
Little  Muskingum  Baptist  Meeting-house,  near  Marietta,  to  a 

VOL.  IT.  2 


14  JEREMIAH   DALE. 

numerous  and  attentive  assembly,  from  these  words :  "  For  he  was 
a  good  man,  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  faith,  and  much 
people  was  added  unto  the  Lord."  Acts,  xi.  24. 

The  remaining  observations  are  from  the  pen  of  Elder  Hiram 
Gear,  who  for  some  time  has  supplied  the  church  at  Parkers- 
burg,  etc. 

Mr.  Dale  was  not  a  man  of  shining  talents,  but  he  was  one 
who  showed  how  lovely  and  "how  awful  goodness  is;"  and  how 
ordinary  talents,  imbued  and  controlled  by  celestial  goodness, 
may  accomplish  much  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of 
souls.  All  who  knew  him  esteemed  him,  and  his  influence  over 
many  was  extensive.  He  loved  many  ardently,  and  many  ardently 
loved  him. 

His  disposition  was  naturally  mild  and  amiable,  and,  mellowed 
and  sweetened  as  it  was  by  Divine  grace,  rendered  him  agreeable 
to  all,  and  eminently  fitted  him  to  communicate  in  conversation 
the  truths  of  God's  Holy  Word.  It  preserved  him  also,  in  his 
public  addresses,  from  harsh  and  imbittered  expressions,  and  im- 
parted an  air  of  persuasiveness  to  all  his  discourses.  He  loved 
all  men;  he  therefore  sought  to  win  them  to  God  by  "speaking 
the  truth  in  love."  His  benevolence  also  was  active  and  holy. 
He  loved  souls  for  Christ's  sake,  and  could  say  in  truth,  in  respect 
to  all  his  labors  and  sufferings  for  souls,  "  the  love  of  Christ  con- 
straineth  me."  This  love  urged  him  to  the  use  of  a  variety  of 
means  of  doing  good.  Besides  his  great  business  of  preaching 
the  "Word,  he  was  in  the  constant  habit  of  distributing  religious 
newspapers,  tracts,  magazines,  Bibles,  and  other  good  books ; 
and  he  never  let  an  opportunity  of  private  conversation  pass 
without  saying  something  about  Christ  and  the  salvation  of  the 
soul.  Indeed,  he  possessed  a  peculiar  and  most  happy  faculty 
of  addressing  persons  directly  on  the  subject  of  religion.  His 
knowledge  of  human  nature  was  great,  and  such  was  the  kindness 
and  sincerity  of  his  manner,  that  he  would  find  his  way  to  the 
heart  of  almost  every  one  with  whom  he  conversed.  It  is  the 
opinion  of  many  that  he  did  more  good  by  his  personal  conversa- 
tions than  by  his  public  addresses. 

His  zeal  and  resolution  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  was  eminent 
and  persevering.  He  entered  the  ministry  at  an  advanced  period 


JEHEMIAH  DALE.  15 

of  life,  and  he  seems  to.  have  felt  and  labored  as  though  the 
work  of  a  whole  life  was  crowded  into  a  few  short  years.  A  pas- 
sionate ardor  for  the  salvation  of  men  and  the  glory  of  God  ani- 
mated and  urged  his  feeble  frame  on  to  prodigious  labors.  He 
performed  a  circuit  of  about  four  hundred  miles  every  month  for 
a  number  of  years  in  succession ;  and  preached  almost  every  day, 
and  sometimes  twice  a  day,  during  the  whole  period.  Besides 
which,  he  would  visit  monthly  almost  every  family  that  attended 
his  meetings.  He  would  never  pass  the  house  of  a  brother  or 
sister  without  making  a  call,  though  but  for  a  minute.  He  would 
often  get  the  people  of  one  neighborhood  to  go  with  him  some 
ten  or  twenty  miles  to  another  to  hold  a  meeting ;  but  though  he 
might  start  in  company  with  them,  he  would  soon  push  ahead  and 
call  on  some  family  by  the  way ;  and  by  the  time  the  company 
arrived  he  would  be  ready  to  join  them  again,  and  perhaps  repeat 
the  same  process  a  number  of  times  during  the  journey.  There 
was  not  a  by-way  nor  secluded  house  in  his  whole  circuit  but  what 
he  knew.  No  storms,  no  heat,  no  cold,  no  weariness  could  pre- 
vent him  from  attending  to  his  appointments.  Often,  when 
arrived  at  the  house  of  a  brother  in  a  storm,  and  worn  down  with 
fatigue,  he  would  be  invited  and  urged  to  stop,  and  not  go  on  to 
his  appointment,  but  he  would  invariably  reply :  "  Never  say  stop 
to  nle,  but  go,  go,  go!"  And  he  did  go  until  the  machinery  of  life 
was  worn  out. 

He  devoted  all  the  sympathies  and  energies  of  his  soul  and 
body  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  God  had  deprived  him  of  all 
his  family,  save  one  son,  and  had  given  his  earthly  property  to 
the  burning  element ;  and  thus  weaned  and  disentangled  from  the 
world,  and  dead  thereto,  he  came  to  live  only  to  God,  and  to 
bestow  every  affection  and  every  power  upon  the  work  to  which 
God  had  most  manifestly  called  him.  He  conversed  much,  but  it 
was  almost  wholly  upon  religion.  He  spake  of  the  world,  only  to 
introduce  God ;  of  time,  to  lead  the  thoughts  on  to  eternity.  He 
gave  himself  no  leisure  time.  He  frequently  rode  ten  or  fifteen 
miles  after  preaching,  in  the  evening,  in  the  dark  and  through 
the  mud,  that  he  might  be  in  season  to  his  appointment  the  next 
day ;  and  in  the  morning  would  visit  a  number  of  families  before 
breakfast.  He  thought,  he  felt,  he  labored,  he  prayed  for  the 


16  JEREMIAH  DALE. 

good  of  souls.  Himself  he  denied,  annihilated,  sunk  into  the 
ocean  of  disinterested  benevolence. 

Thus  living  and  acting  he  was  very  useful.  He  baptized 
almost  every  Sabbath  during  the  whole  of  his  ministry ;  and  God 
blessed  his  labors  to  the  conversion  of  many  perishing  sinners. 
President  Edwards  has  said,  that  "a  man  of  ordinary  capacity 
will  do  more  with  zeal,  and  resolution,  than  one  of  ten  times  the 
parts  and  learning  without  them  :  more  may  be  done  with  them 
in  a  few  days  or  weeks  than  can  be  done  without  them  in  many 
years."  Mr.  Dale  was  an  example  of  the  energy  of  this  zeal  and 
resolution,  and  it  might  be  well  for  some  of  our  men  of  "parts 
and  learning"  to  consider  this  saying  of  Edwards,  and  look  on 
the  example  of  Mr.  Dale,  and  imitate. 

So  blameless  was  his  life,  so  heavenly  his  mind,  and  so  entirely 
devoted  to  the  good  of  others  his  whole  labors,  that  no  infidel 
or  scoffer  of  religion  ever  charged  him  with  hypocrisy,  or  im- 
peached the  integrity  of  his  character.  He  was  "  a  burning  and 
a  shining  light,"  and  stood  confessedly  an  example  of  purity  and 
devotedness  as  an  ambassador  for  Christ.  Though  dead,  he  yet 
speaketh;  and  many  hear  his  voice.  I  have  conversed  with 
numbers  lately  brought  to  the  obedience  of  the  faith,  who  ascribe 
their  first  serious  impressions  to  his  discourses  either  public  or 
private.  While  on  earth  many  blessed  him ;  and  we  doubt  not, 
that  at  the  great  day  of  final  accounts,  the  Judge  of  all  will  say 
to  him:  "Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant:  thou  hast 
been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many 
things :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 


EDWIN   W.  WOODSON.  17 


EDWIN  W.  WOODSON. 

AMONG  the  "Lives  of  Virginia  Baptist  Ministers"  ELDER E.  W. 
WOODSON  deserves  a  place.  The  only  information  obtained  con- 
cerning him  is  furnished  in  the  sketch  below,  from  the  pen  of  Rev. 
M.  Ellison.  We  remember  to  have  met  him  during  the  period  he 
labored  in  Western  Virginia  as  a  missionary.  It  was  a  pleasant 
interview.  He  was  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  intelligence,  and 
his  labors  were  attended  with  beneflcial  results.  Mr.  Ellison  says : 
"  Of  his  birth,  education,  or  the  circumstances  of  his  early  life,  I 
know  but  little.  He  emigrated  with  his  widowed  mother  and 
family,  consisting  of  another  son  and  several  daughters,  from 
Eastern  Virginia,  to  the  bounds  of  the  Greenbrier  Association, 
about  the  year  1830,  and  was  employed  for  a  time  by  the  Board 
of  the  General  Association  of  Virginia  as  a  missionary.  Mean- 
time he  married  a  young  widow  lady,  Mrs.  A.  Roberts,  by  whom 
he  had  three  or  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  who  still  survive, 
and  who  reside  in  Monroe  County,  near  the  Red  Sulphur 
Springs. 

"Elder  Woodson  was  over  the  size  of  ordinary  men,  well  pro- 
portioned, had  a  lively  eye,  expressive  countenance,  and  gentle- 
manly deportment.  He  was  a  man  of  honorable  aims,  conscien- 
tiously conforming  his  life  to  the  laws  of  Christ  in  his  intercourse 
with  the  world.  He  was  highly  esteemed  as  a  man,  as  a  Chris- 
tian, and  as  a  minister  of  th.~  gospel  by  all  who  knew  him. 

'•  For  several  years  before  his  death  he  was  compelled  to  labor  at 
nome  during  the  week  to  support  his  family,  but  continued  to  preach 
regularly  on  Lord's  day,  at  several  points  around  his  residence. 
He  preached  for  a  limited  period  for  the  Walker's  Creek  Church, 
Peterstown,  and  Red  Sulphur  Churches,  and  probably  others; 
but  the  Board  was  compelled  for  want  of  funds  to  drop  a  number 
of  its  missionaries.  Brother  Woodson  was  one  of  these,  and  being 
in  debt,  and  having  a  family  to  support,  dependent  on  his  labors, 
he  reluctantly  circumscribed  his  ministerial  labors  mainly  to  Sab- 
bath preaching,  and  applied  himself  with  vigor  and  perseverance 

VOL.  n. — B  2* 


18  EDWIN   W.  VVOODSON. 

to  the  farm,  by  which  he  succeeded  in  placing  his  family  in  a  con- 
dition to  retain  their  home  and  sustain  themselves.  He  was 
heard  to  observe,  that  he  would  greatly  prefer  spending  his  whole 
time  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  if  he  could  be  sustained ;  but 
finding  the  churches  either  unable  or  unwilling  to  afford  the 
needed  aid,  he  felt  compelled  to  turn  his  attention  to  making  a 
support  for  himself  and  family.  He  consequently  refused  to  take 
the  pastoral  oversight  of  any  church,  because  he  could  not  fully 
discharge  the  duties  required ;  but  chose  to  preach  whenever  he 
could,  as  calls  were  incidentally  made. 

"  This  line  was  pursued  till  he  closed  his  earthly  labors.  How 
much  is  lost  to  the  cause  of  Christ  because  so  many,  like  Brother 
Woodson,  are  driven  from  their  appropriate  work  of  preaching 
the  gospel  for  want  of  support !  It  ought  not  so  to  be. 

"Elder  Woodson  had  a  studious,  inquisitive  mind  ;  when  it  laid 
hold  of  a  subject  it  was  with  a  view  to  the  greatest  amount  of 
practical  good.  The  conclusions  thus  formed  were  very  generally 
sound.  In  doctrine  and  practice  he  was  a  safe  guide.  His 
preaching  was  mainly  persuasive  and  exhortative.  It  did  not 
partake  much  of  a  controversial  character,  but  he  was  immovably 
firm  in  the  maintenance  of  Baptist  tenets. 

"He  once  indulged  Pedobaptist  views,  and  where  he  first  em- 
braced religion  attended  a  camp-meeting  with  a  view  to  join  the 
Methodists ;  but  it  happened  that  a  celebrated  preacher  among 
them  discoursed  on  the  subject  of  baptism,  and  from  the  misquo- 
tations and  misapplications  of  the  "Word  of  God,  our  young  dis- 
ciple was  led  to  suspect  that  the  cause  denouncing  such  work  was 
not  the  cause  of  God  and  truth.  He  deferred  joining  till  the  sub- 
ject was  fully  settled  in  his  own  mind  from  a  personal  investigation, 
which  resulted  in  making  him  a  confirmed  Baptist. 

"  I  am  unable  to  recollect  the  time  and  circumstances  of  his 
death,  but  my  impression  is,  that  he  died  about  the  year  1850. 
The  disease  of  which  he  died  was  pneumonia.  His  death  was 
peaceful  and  happy,  as  his  life  had  been  pious  and  useful.  His 
loss  was  most  severely  felt  in  the  community  where  he  resided 
and  was  best  known." 


JOSEPH   ELLISON.  19 


JOSEPH    ELLISON. 

THE  following  facts  are  supplied  by  Rev.  M.  Ellison : — 

ELDER  JOSEPH  ELLISON  was  born  in  Monroe  County,  Virginia, 
on  Hand's  Creek,  about  the  year  1795.  His  father,  John  Ellison, 
was  a  licentiate  minister  in  the  Baptist  church  for  many  years 
before  his  death.  John,  and  James  Ellison,  my  grandfather,  both 
preachers,  were  brothers,  and  Joseph  and  my  father,  Elder  James 
Ellison,  were  own  cousins.  Our  family,  I  think,  is  of  English 
descent,  and  my  recollection  is  that  my  grandfather  came  from 
New  Jersey  to  Virginia. 

The  endowments  of  body  and  mind  possessed  by  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  were  of  a  medium  grade,  and  but  few  phrenologists 
would  have  assigned  him  the  pulpit  as  his  appropriate  place. 
But  God  chooses  not  as  man  chooses.  His  chief  qualification  for 
the  pulpit  was  his  deep-toned  piety.  With  this  to  prompt  his 
efforts,  he  made  considerable  proficiency  in  the  acquisition  and 
communication  of  religious  knowledge.  His  mind  was  formed 
more  for  conciliation  than  controversy,  and  partook  more  largely 
of  the  peace-making  than  of  the  peace-breaking  element,  render- 
ing him  a  very  agreeable  companion. 

Although  his  father  was  possessed  of  a  competency,  and  might 
have  given  his  family  a  good  education,  yet  in  a  new  country  so 
sparsely  settled,  and  at  a  time  when  the  savage  foe  was  invading 
the  infant  settlements,  it  is  not  surprising  that  young  Joseph,  the 
oldest  sou,  should  have  received  little  scholastic  training.  By 
close  application  these  early  disadvantages  were  so  far  overcome 
that  he  prepared  himself  to  be  clearly  understood  in  his  public 
discourses  by  the  masses.  His  Bible  and  hymn-book  were  his 
main  sources  of  information. 

About  the  year  1820  there  was  a  revival  of  religion  in  the 
Indian  Creek  Church,  which  brought  considerable  accessions  to 
her  number ;  Mr.  Ellison  and  wife  were  among  them.  His  en- 
trance into  the  ministry  took  place  some  ten  -years  afterwards. 
Several  of  the  young  brethren,  moved  by  their  first  love  tc 


20  JOHNSON   KEATON. 

appoint  meetings  for  prayer  and  exhortation,  were  invited  from 
house  to  house,  when  each  would  pray,  sing,  and  give  a  word  of 
exhortation.  This  was  their  college,  in  which  each  was  teacher 
and  each  a  pupil.  Here,  and  thus,  graduated  some  of  the  most 
efficient  ministers  among  us. 

His  preaching  was  almost  uniformly  experimental.  His  oppor- 
tunities did  not  allow  him  to  be  an  able  expositor  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, yet  his  views  were  in  the  main  good,  and  he  would  deal  out 
many  sterling  truths  in  his  sermons,  especially  bearing  on  experi- 
mental religion.  His  labors  were  mainly  directed  to  professors  of 
religion,  exhibiting  the  love  of  Christ  to  His  people,  and  the  love 
they  should  bear  to  Him.  He  loved  to  strip  the  sinner  of  every- 
thing of  which  he  could  boast,  and  exhibit  the  Saviour  as  the 
only  but  all-sufficient  remedy.  He  was  eminently  persuasive  in 
his  manner.  At  his  death  he  left  a  widow,  who  soon  followed 
him,  and  several  children. 


JOHNSON    KEATON. 

WE  are  indebted  to  Rev.  M.  Ellison  for  the  following : — 

ELDER  KEATON  was  born  in  Monroe  County,  Virginia.  His 
mother  was  a  member  of  the  Indian  Creek  Baptist  Church,  and 
lived  and  died  a  very  pious  Christian ;  his  father  died  before  I 
knew  the  family.  He  had  one  brother  and  four  sisters,  all  professors 
of  religion,  and  belonging  to  the  Baptist  church. 

His  education  was  very  limited,  enabling  him  at  his  entrance 
on  the  ministry  scarcely  to  read  or  write  intelligibly ;  but  by  close 
application  considerable  improvement  was  made,  so  that  he  not 
only  read,  but  also  spoke  with  accuracy. 

His  natural  endowments  were  good.  A  little  over  medium 
size,  his  constitution  was  uncommonly  firm  and  strong.  He  pos- 
sessed a  vigorous  mind,  quick  perception,  good  memory,  acute 
reasoning  powers,  ardent  temperament,  and  much  independence  of 
thought.  He  placed  great  reliance  upon  the  soundness  and  cer- 


JOHNSON   KEATON.  21 

tainty  of  his  conclusions,  being,  in  his  own  estimation,  logi- 
cally drawn  from  the  premises  established.  His  talents  were  of 
the  controversial  order,  and  his  self-confidence  qualified  him  for 
this  kind  of  labor,  so  that  his  brethren  left  him  a  good  deal  of  that 
kind  of  work  to  do. 

His  voice  was  clear  and  strong,  but  he  would  open  his  subject 
deliberately,  and  in  his  ordinary  tone  of  voice,  and  rise  with  his 
theme,  so  as  to  hold  his  subject  and  his  delivery  under  his  control, 
and  was  mainly  free  from  that  singing  intonation  which  ruins  the 
delivery  of  many  of  his  less-gifted  brethren.  His  gestures  were 
not  artificial,  but  natural  and  expressive;  sometimes  too  vio- 
lent for  the  pulpit.  As  he  pursued  his  theme,  diverging  rays 
would  seem  to  reflect  on  many  kindred  topics,  and  he  would  stop 
and  so  state  his  point  that  conviction  of  its  truth  was  fastened  on 
the  hearer,  as  he  supposed.  He  would  suddenly  drop  the  point,  by 
saying,  "  a  word  to  the  wise  is  sufficient,"  or  "  I  speak  as  unto 
wise  men;  judge  ye  what  I  say." 

His  union  with  the  church  took  place  after  his  marriage,  but 
while  he  was  comparatively  young,  being  about  the  year  1820. 
He  soon  commenced  exercising  a  gift,  and  was  ordained  about 
1825.  He  labored  considerably  in  his  own  region  of  country,  and 
frequently  at  distant  points,  as  a  correspondent  to  other  asso- 
ciations, and  on  other  occasions,  and  was  much  beloved  by  a  large 
circle  of  acquaintances.  His  labors  seemed  to  be  blessed. 

Several  causes  had  been  at  work  tending  to  alienate  Elder  Keaton 
from  some  of  his  prominent  brethren  of  the  Greenbrier  Association. 
Whatever  they  were,  they  ultimately  were  interwoven  with  the 
missionary  question,  and  resulted  in  the  withdrawal  of  the  Indian 
Creek  Church,  of  which  he  was  a  member  and  pastor,  from  the 
Greenbrier  Association,  and  their  union  with  the  New  River 
Association,  which  was  decidedly  anti-missionary.  The  Indian 
Creek  Church  enlisted  fractions  of  some  other  churches  belonging 
to  the  Greeubrier  Association,  out  of  which  the  present  Indian 
Creek  Association  was  formed.  These  events  transpired  between 
the  years  1838  and  1842.  The  Greenbrier  Association  has  re- 
cently made  some  effort  toward  effecting  a  union,  but  as  yet 
without  success.  The  main  cause  pleaded  against  the  missionary 
bodies  was,  that  a  connection  with  those  bodies  was  made  a  test 


22  JOSIAH   OSBURNE. 

of  fellowship.  It  has  been  strongly  hoped  that  time  had  refuted 
this  plea,  as  in  almost  every  instance  the  anti-missionary  bodies 
make  non-connection  with  the  missionary  bodies  a  test  of  fellow- 
ship. Thus  doing  the  very  thing  for  which  they  professed  to 
leave  us,  and  which  they  were  erroneously  trying  to  fix  upon  us. 

Elder  Keaton  was  not  less  abundant  in  his  labors  in  his  new 
field,  spending  much  of  his  time  in  building  up  the  new  interest, 
which  owed  its  very  existence  to  his  labors.  His  powerful  mind 
directed  its  energies  to  the  opposition  of  the  mission  cause.  He 
thus  too  nearly  advocated  anti-means,  anti-efforts  upon  the  part 
of  the  church,  placing  everything  upon  the  Divine  decrees,  and 
too  nearly  ignoring  the  specific  line  of  duty  revealed  in  the  Word 
of  God.  The  result  was,  that  his  efficiency  was  impaired,  and 
the  churches  he  served  were  not  as  active,  and  consequently  not  as 
prosperous,  as  otherwise  they  might  have  been.  The  Indian  Creek 
Association  was  organized  about  the  year  1842,  with  162  mem- 
bers. She  now  numbers  about  200,  after  an  existence  of  seven- 
teen years,  which  is  an  increase  of  a  fraction  over  two  per  year. 
His  labors  would  doubtless  have  been  much  more  useful  had  he 
remained  with  the  Greenbrier  Association. 

He  passed  from  his  earthly  labors  about  the  year  1850,  much 
lamented  by  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances,  and  left 
a  widow  and  eight  or  ten  children  to  mourn  their  loss. 


JOSIAH    OSBURNE. 

THE  early  history  of  the  Baptists  of  this  State  could  not  be 
faithfully  written  without  a  record  of  the  useful  influence  of  him 
whose  name  stands  at  the  head  of  this  sketch.  Long  and  earn- 
estly did  he  toil  in  the  then  sparsely-settled  regions  of  Western 
and  Northwestern  Virginia,  and  marked  was  the  success  which 
attended  his  ministry. 

MR.  OSBURNE  was  connected  with  a  Presbyterian  family,  and 
was  born  March  5th,  1150.  He  seems  to  have  been  reared  to 
habits  of  industry  and  sobriety,  and  taught  to  respect  the  claims 
of  religion.  Nor  was  he  without  compunctions  of  conscience  in 


JOSIAH   OSBURNE.  L>:J 

early  life.  His  conduct  being  circumspect,  these  convictions  pro- 
ceeded no  further  than  to  induce  a  pharisaical  reliance  on  his  own 
deeds  of  morality.  He  continued  in  this  state  of  mind  until  he 
left  the  paternal  roof,  when,  exposed  to  temptations,  he  yielded 
to  unholy  indulgences,  and  became  a  reckless  transgressor.  But 
God  suffered  him  not  to  plunge,  as  he  seemed  determined,  into  the 
vortex  of  ruin. 

About  the  year  1718  he  was  brought  under  the  ministrations 
of  a  Baptist  preacher,  and,  through  his  instrumentality,  arrested 
in  his  sinful  course.  Deep  and  pungent  was  his  sorrow  for  sin, 
and,  in  his  ignorance  of  the  plan  of  salvation,  not  a  ray  of  hope 
shone  in  upon  the  darkness  of  his  soul.  Strange,  that  one  re- 
ligiously educated  should  not  at  once  have  fled  for  refuge  to 
Christ.  But  such  is  the  condition  of  all  men.  They  are  blinded 
by  the  god  of  this  world,  and  until  driven  by  absolute  despair  of 
themselves,  will  not  test  the  power  and  grace  of  the  gospel. 

Thus  this  young  man  was  led  to  know  Christ.  By  a  painful 
survey  of  the  past  he  saw  the  utter  impossibility  of  repairing,  by 
future  obedience,  the  breach  which  existed  between  God  and  him- 
self. He  saw,  also,  that  Jesus  was  an  almighty  and  willing  Re- 
deemer, and  to  his  hands  he  committed  his  immortal  interests. 
His  views  of  the  plan  of  salvation  became  more  and  more  dis- 
tinct, and  he  found  himself  under  the  influence  of  an  irre- 
sistible impulse  to  recommend  his  newly-found  Saviour  to  others. 
How  natural  this  desire !  This  desire  he  gratified.  He  united 
with  a  church  in  Hardy  County,  and  began  to  exhort.  But  a 
sense  of  the  magnitude  of  the  work,  and  his  own  inadequacy, 
deterred  him  from  at  once  entering  into  the  ministry.  After 
various  struggles  he  became  satisfied  on  the  subject,  by  reflection 
on  the  words  of  the  Apostle :  "  Things  despised  hath  God  chosen, 
yea,  and  things  which  are  not,  to  bring  to  naught  things  that  are." 
He  began  to  speak,  and  with  great  success,  as  an  expositor  of 
God's  word  and  a  proclaimer  of  the  gospel. 

Now  commenced  a  course  of  mental  discipline  the  results  of 
which  were  surprising.  He  was  scarcely  able  to  read.  Each  time 
he  spoke  he  had  almost  promised  himself  it  would  be  the  last 
attempt;  but  he  continued  to  apply  himself  to  study,  until  he 
became  not  only  a  good  reader,  but  capable  of  expressing  his 


24  JOSIAII   OSBURNE. 

thoughts  on  paper  with  remarkable  clearness  and  force.  This  is 
shown  by  the  treatise  he  published  a  few  years  after. 

He  continued  as  a  licentiate  to  labor  in  the  County  of  Hardy, 
until  the  year  1794,  when  he  removed  to  Greenbrier  County. 
Previous  to  this  removal,  he  had  been  eminently  useful.  Refer- 
ring to  an  extensive  work  of  revival  in  which  he  participated,  he 
says :  "  In  this  revival  a  number  of  members  were  added — the 
mouths  of  gainsayers  were  stopped.  The  people's  mouths,  ears, 
hearts,  doors,  were  all  open  to  receive  the  Word.  Now,  the  time 
of  the  singing  of  birds  was  come,  and  the  voice  of  the  turtle  was 
heard  in  the  land,  which  caused  the  heart  of  the  mourning 
preacher  to  rejoice  in  his  God,  and  to  say  with  the  prophet, 
Zion's  cords  are  lengthened,  and  her  stakes  are  strengthened. 
Thus,  where  darkness  reigned,  and  the  savage  yell  was  heard,  the 
Lord  opened  a  wide  and  effectual  door  for  the  preaching  of  Jesus, 
by  which  numbers  felt  the  virtue  of  his  blood  and  were  brought 
home  to  God." 

Elder  John  Alderson,  alluding  to  his  removal  in  1794,  thus 
writes:  "Brother  Osburne, then  a  licensed  preacher,  moved  from 
Lost  River,  Hardy  County,  and  settled  on  the  Big  Levels  of 
Greenbrier,  where  there  was  an  arm  of  our  church.  Thanks  to 
the  Lord,  we  have  stood  together  ever  since." 

The  influence  of  this  excellent  man  seems  to  have  been  extended 
and  happy.  Semple,  in  his  History,  thus  refers  to  him:  "Mr. 
Osburne's  labors  in  the  ministry  have  been  exceedingly  blessed  in 
the  country  where  he  resides.  As  a  preacher  he  stands  equal,  if 
not  superior,  to  any  in  that  country.  He  has  a  singular  turn  for 
affecting  the  feelings,  so  that  at  associations  and  large  meetings 
it  usually  devolves  upon  him  to  close  the  meeting.  In  such  cases 
God  has  often  owned  his  exhortations. 

"A  few  years  ago  he  was  drawn  into  a  debate  about  believers' 
baptism,  by  some  of  the  Pedobaptists.  In  consequence  of  this, 
his  mind  was  led  to  think  much  on  the  subject,  and,  finally,  to 
commit  his  thoughts  to  writing.  This  he  did  in  such  an  able 
manner  that  his  friends  insisted  on  printing  it.  He  consented, 
and  it  appeared  under  the  title  of  David  and  Goliah.  By  many 
this  is  considered  one  of  the  best  treatises  on  baptism  that  has 
ever  been  published." 


GEORGE   NORTH AM.  25 


GEORGE     NORTHAM. 

ELDER  GEORGE  NORTHAM  was  born  in  the  County  of  Accomac, 
September  15,  1793.  His  father,  Major  Northam,  was  a  man  of 
the  world,  and  exercised  no  other  than  a  worldly  influence  over 
his  family;  and  the  influences  by  which  he  was  otherwise  sur- 
rounded seem  not  to  have  been  very  favorable.  A  communica- 
tion which,  after  his  death,  appeared  in  the  Religious  Herald, 
from  some  unknown  correspondent,  will  illustrate  his  early  history. 
The  facts  referred  to  correspond  with  statements  made  by  others. 

"  Elder  Northam  was  the  sou  of  Major  Northam,  who  lived  in 
a  section  of  country  that  would,  in  this  enlightened  day,  be  noto- 
rious for  its  wickedness,  known  as  Mesongoes,  Accomac  County, 
Virginia.  His  father  was  exceedingly  fond  of  music,  and  at  an 
early  age  presented  his  son  George  with  a  fiddle,  requesting  him 
to  learn,  and  thus  before  he  could  scarcely  read  the  jig  he  played. 
He  was  counted  quite  an  expert  hand  with  this  instrument.  At 
this  day  religious  meetings  were  never  known  in  the  neighbor- 
hood ;  nothing  but  drunkenness  and  swearing  was  heard  or  thought 
of,  and  in  which  George  was  the  leader. 

"At  the  age  of  twelve  years  young  Northam  lost  his  father. 
Disposed  to  be  reckless  and  dissipated  he  now  gave  way  to  his 
unbridled  passions,  going  to  every  party ;  and  at  every  place  of 
amusement  was  he  the  welcome  guest,  both  for  his  wit  and  agree- 
able manners,  and  as  a  musician.  At  every  ball  he  was  the  first 
to  show  his  great  talent  for  music.  Every  body  was  pleased  with 
the  performances  of  young  Northam,  but  the  more  grave  thought 
he  would  be  a  ruined  man.  On  the  1st  October,  1815,  there  was 
to  be  a  great  party  or  ball  in  the  neighborhood,  and  accordingly, 
as  a  matter  of  course,  young  Northam  was  selected  as  the  chief 
actor  on  the  violin.  At  this  time  young  Northam  had  entered 
into  a  copartnership  with  a  company  of  men  engaged  in  getting 
ship-timber  in  Drummond  Swamp.  But  this  project  failed,  by 
which  young  Northam  lost  his  year's  labor.  However,  he  attended 
the  ball,  and  all  seem  to  have  had  a  merry  time. 

VOL.  IT.  3 


26  GEORGE   JS'ORTHAM. 

"  This  party  ended  with  an  appointment  for  another,  at  a  neigh- 
bor's, on  Saturday  night,  and  young  Northam  agreed  to  attend. 
But  God  directed  a  different  course  for  him.  Saturday  evening 
came,  and  young  Northam  tuned  his  violin,  placed  it  back  in  the 
case,  and  went  to  his  room  and  dressed  himself  to  go  to  the 
party.  After  completing  his  toilet  he  returned  to  the  room  which 
he  had  left  to  get  his  violin,  and  as  the  weather  was  cold  he  stopped 
a  moment  to  warm  himself  by  the  fire  ;  and  while  sitting  at  the 
fire  musing  upon  some  favorite  jig,  his  attention  was  aroused  by 
the  music  of  another  one  on  the  violin.  This  seems  strange.  But 
he  had  left  the  case  open  in  which  he  had  placed  the  violin,  and 
the  air  struck  upon  the  strings,  that  caused  the  music.  And  no 
doubt  it  was  one  of  God's  mysterious  providences,  in  which  he 
intended  to  call  him  from  nature's  darkness  to  light.  Young 
Northam  started  up  as  if  surprised,  and  asked  his  mother  if  she 
heard  his  fiddle  play.  He  stood  for  some  minutes  in  deep  study, 
and  then  took  out  his  fiddle  and  held  it  in  his  hand,  and  addressed 
himself  to  it  in  the  following  language,  as  well  as  I  can  recollect : 
'  Well,  if  the  devil  has  such  full  possession  of  you  as  to  play  with- 
out your  master,  he  will  get  me  next  if  I  keep  you,  and  I  am 
determined  to  destroy  you  in  this  fire ;'  and,  suiting  his  action  to 
his  words,  he  put  the  fiddle  in  the  fire.  The  by-standers  begged 
him  not  to  do  it.  But  that  firmness  of  character  which  he  always 
possessed,  and  which  always  marked  his  action  as  long  as  I  knew 
him,  prevailed.  One  of  the  by-standers  reproached  him,  and  said 
he  must  be  a  fool  to  throw  away  such  a  valuable  article,  that  he 
would  have  given  him  fifteen  dollars  for  it.  He  then  begged  him 
to  sell  the  mahogany  case,  but  Northam  refused,  and  arose  from 
his  seat,  took  the  case  off  the  mantle-piece,  and  put  that  in  the 
fire,  saying,  as  he  did  so,  to  his  companions,  that  '  It  had  well-nigh 
ruined  him,  and  it  should  not  go  into  the  hands  of  any  other 
man.' 

"At  this  time  the  company  were  all  waiting  with  anxious  solici- 
tude for  his  arrival ;  but  he  came  not,  and  at  last  a  party  of 
young  men  went  in  search  of  him,  and  the  author  of  this  formed 
one  of  that  company.  We  reached  the  house,  and  without  any 
ceremony  went  in  ;  to  our  great  surprise  we  found  him  reading  a 
book,  before  the  fire.  One  of  the  company  seized  the  book,  a 


GEORGE   NORTHAM.  27 

scuffle  ensued,  but  all  joining  against  him  succeeded  in  tearing 
from  him  that  book  ;  and,  to  our  surprise,  the  young  man  that 
held  it  in  his  hand  cried  out,  'it  is  the  Bible  !'  Nor  need  I  stop  to 
tell  how  decided'  he  was  for  reading  that  book.  We  begged,  we 
pulled  him,  and  tried  to  hire  him  to  go  to  the  ball,  but  it  was  of 
no  use.  He  told  us  he  had  played  the  last  fiddle,  danced  the  last 
time,  and  attended  the  last  ball.  He  had  exchanged  his  fiddle  for 
the  Bible,  and  he  wished  we  would  follow  his  example.  We  did 
not  tarry  long  to  hear  his  convicting  story,  but  left  with  heavy 
hearts,  at  the  thought  of  losing  so  valuable  an  auxiliary  to  our 
parties,  to  tell  the  story  to  the  company. 

"  I  need  not  tell  you  of  the  surprise  that  passed  like  a  shock 
through  the  ball-room.  A  thousand  conjectures  and  predictions 
were  alternately  uttered — some,  he  will  not  hold  out  a  day,  etc. 

"  Next  day  was  Sunday,  and  we  all  fully  expected  that  by  this 
time  he  would  be  ready  to  join  us,  as  it  was  a  customary  thing  to 
commence  a  ball  on  Saturday  night  and  keep  it  up  all  day  Sunday 
and  Sunday  night.  But  the  next  day,  and  perhaps  the  first  time 
in  his  life  before,  young  Northam  went  some  twelve  miles  to  attend 
a  meeting,  and  thus  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath  did  he  continue  to 
attend  religious  worship  until  he  professed  conversion ;  and  I 
think,  as  well  as  my  memory  serves  me,  he  professed  religion  at 
home  on  a  Saturday  night.  The  next  day,  which  was  Sunday, 
he  went  to  church,  told  Mr.  Waters  who  preached  that  he  held  a 
hope  through  grace  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  that  he  wished  to  follow 
him  in  some  remarks ;  or,  rather,  wished  to  tell  the  state  of  his 
mind  to  the  congregation.  Accordingly,  when  the  preacher  closed 
his  sermon  he  called  upon  Mr.  Northam  to  make  some  remarks. 
At  this  call  the  audience  was  thunder-struck.  Young  Northam 
arose  and  began  to  relate  the  feelings  which  had  brought  him  to 
that  great  change,  and  from  the  ball-room  to  the  church.  He 
spoke  with  firmness  and  candor,  and  a  large  portion  of  the  con- 
gregation was  melted  to  tears. 

"At  the  close  of  his  maiden  speech  he  gave  notice  that  there 
would  be  a  prayer-meeting  in  his  immediate  neighborhood,  and 
scores  flocked  to  this  prayer- meeting  more  from  novelty  than  any- 
thing else.  It  was  a  new  thing,  (a  prayer-meeting  in  that  neigh- 
borhood,) and  still  stranger,  Mr.  George  Northam  was  to  hold  it! 


28  GEORGE   NORTIIAM. 

However,  the  time  came,  and  the  congregation  met ;  the  house 
could  not  hold  half  the  people ;  curiosity  had  brought  them  there 
more  for  sport  than  anything  else.  But,  at  the  appointed  hour, 
young  Northam  arose  with  the  same  book  that  was  torn  away  from 
him  the  evening  from  which  he  dated  his  conviction,  and  read  the 
eleventh  chapter  of  Matthew ;  but  did  not  confine  himself  to  a 
single  verse,  but  commented  at  large,  commencing  at  the  fifth 
verse,  declaring  that  he  had  been  spiritually  blind,  etc.  He  dwelt 
longer  on  the  seventh  verse :  '  What  went  ye  out  into  the  wilder- 
ness to  see  ?  A  reed  shaken  with  the  wind  ?'  and  here  he  made  his 
remarks  appropriate  by  contrasting  the  same  with  himself.  He 
made  also  another  illustration  with  himself  from  the  twelfth  verse : 
'  The  kingdom  of  heaven  suffereth  violence,  and  the  violent  take 
it  by  force.'  Spoke  of  the  violent  wringing  from  his  hand  this  book 
by  force,  because  it  revealed  the  way  to  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 

"He  carefully  reviewed  the  chapter,  making  his  illustrations 
from  the  scenes  around  him,  and  though  it  was  only  my  privilege 
to  hear  him  but  a  short  time,  yet  I  doubt  if  he  ever  preached  a 
better  sermon,  though  he  in  after-years  became  a  hard  student 
He  continued  to  keep  up  his  prayer-meetings  during  the  week 
nights  until  the  fourth  Sunday  in  October.  At  the  baptizing, 
quite  a  number  was  received  into  the  church,  and  went  down  into 
the  water  with  him.  He  was  soon  licensed  to  preach,  and  con- 
tinued to  labor  in  the  field  he  had  already  opened  until  1818,  when 
he  was  ordained,  and  in  1819  he  accepted  a  call  from  Middlesex 
County,  Virginia,  where  he  moved.  After  this  time  I  knew 
nothing  of  him  until  we  met  in  Washington.  He  was  then  going 
to  college,  where  he  remained  three  sessions.  While  at  college 
he  preached  for  the  church  at  the  Navy  Yard.  We  both  left 
Washington  about  the  same  time.  I  went  to  Florida,  and  he 
went  to  Middlesex.  After  this  time  I  saw  or  heard  but  little  of 
him.  His  character  is  well  known  through  Eastern  Virginia,  and 
all  who  knew  him  loved  him. " 

After  his  removal  to  Middlesex  County,  as  stated  above,  he 
took  charge  of  Zoar  Church,  then  so  far  reduced  as  to  contain 
but  one  male  member,  with  a  few  female  and  colored  members. 
His  ministry  here  was  eminently  successful.  He  was  permitted  to 
see  many  uniting  themselves  with  this  little  one.  During  his  pas- 


GEORGE   NORTHAM.  29 

torate  here,  he  connected  himself  as  a  student  with  the  Columbian 
College,  remaining  two  sessions.  His  progress,  in  the  partial 
course  pursued,  was  highly  creditable  to  him.  He  was  afterwards 
called  to  the  charge  of  Clark's  Neck  and  Hermitage  Churches, 
and  was  much  honored  of  God  in  their  midst. 

It  became  apparent  to  him,  in  1848,  that  it  was  the  will  of  God 
he  should  transfer  his  labors  to  another  field.  Receiving  a  call 
from  Menokin  and  Nomini  Churches,  in  Westmoreland  County, 
he  removed  thither,  and  commenced  a  course  of  ministerial  labor 
which  seems  to  have  been  signally  successful. 

A  short  time  before  his  death  he  resigned  the  care  of  these 
churches,  to  assume  the  duties  of  an  agent  on  behalf  of  Colum- 
bian College.  His  health,  however,  soon  failed,  and  after  a  brief 
illness  he  expired  November  28,  1854.  Thus  he  soon  followed 
his  beloved  wife  and  several  children  to  the  grave,  leaving  a  son 
and  daughter  to  lament  his  death.  His  son  has  since  taken  his 
place  in  the  ministry.  In  a  reference  to  his  character  in  the 
minutes  of  the  Rappahannock  Association,  the  following  just 
tribute  to  his  memory  is  given  : — 

"  Elder  Northam  was  a  man  of  ardent  piety,  of  dignified  de- 
portment, and  great  circumspection.  He  never  failed  to  commend 
himself  to  every  community  in  which  he  resided,  and  thereby  com- 
manded an  influence  above  that  of  many,  his  superiors  in  talents. 
He  was  actively  engaged  in  all  the  benevolent  objects  of  the  day. 
His  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  temperance  cause  contributed  very 
much  to  change  the  character  of  the  whole  community  where  he 
lived.  We  may  say  of  this  brother,  that  '  he  was  a  good  man, 
full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,'  and  that  'much  people  were  added  to  the 
Lord.'  Brother  Northam  closed  his  useful  life  as  might  have  been 
expected — in  peace.  His  last  words  were :  '  It  is  all  right ;  it  will 
soon  be  over.'" 


30  JOHN  LELAND. 


JOHN    LELAND. 

THIS  familiar  name  is  associated  with  much  of  the  earlier  his- 
tory of  Virginia  Baptists.  It  was  with  some  a  despised  name, 
but  dear  to  the  hearts  of  many,  with  whose  experience  of  the 
Divine  mercy  it  had  become  identified.  It  is  deemed  appropriate 
to  give  it  a  place  in  these  pages. 

JOHN  LELAND  was  born  in  Grafton,  Massachusetts,  May  14th, 
1754.  The  death  of  George  the  Second  and  the  coronation  of 
George  the  Third  were  events  occurring  in  his  childhood,  which 
were  imprinted  on  his  memory.  He  grew  up  amid  the  stirring 
incidents  which  brought  on  the  Revolution,  and  imbibed  an  un- 
conquerable sentiment  of  hostility  to  civil  and  ecclesiastical 
oppression. 

His  parents  were  professed  religionists.  He  states  that  his 
father  presented  hfenrst  child  for  baptism,  and  in  doing  it,  the 
passage,  "  who  hath  required  this  at  your  hands  ?"  was  strongly 
impressed  upon  his  mind.  Six  other  children  were  born  before 
he  ventured  to  have  them  to  receive  the  rite.  John  was  among 
the  number.  Being  about  three  years  old,  when  he  ascertained 
the  object  of  the  meeting,  he  ran  away,  and,  falling,  received  an 
injury,  which  caused  the  blood  to  flow  freely  from  his  face.  He 
was  afterwards  forced  to  the  baptismal  water.  He  says :  "All  the 
merit  of  this  transaction  I  must  give  to  the  maid  who  caught  me, 
my  father,  and  the  minister,  for  I  was  not  a  voluntary  candidate, 
but  a  reluctant  subject,  forced  against  my  will." 

He  was  in  early  life  fond  of  study.  He  could  read  the  Bible 
at  five  years  of  age.  His  education  did  not  exceed  the  ordinary 
branches  taught  in  the  common  schools  of  that  day.  Having 
access  to  few  books,  the  Bible  was  his  constant  companion.  He 
seems,  however,  to  have  been  a  headstrong,  unmanageable  boy, 
being,  as  he  says,  "in  all  evil,  full  of  vanity,  exceedingly  attached 
to  frolicking  and  foolish  wickedness." 

In  his  eighteenth  year  he  became  the  subject  of  religious  im- 
pressions. After  various  conflicting  views  and  feelings,  about 


JOHN   LELAND.  31 

the  year  1714  he  was  led,  as  he  says,  to  the  following  conclu- 
sions:— • 

"First.  To  see  the  extent  and  purity  of  the  holy  law.  That  it 
was  the  perfect  rule  of  eternal  right,  which  arose  from  the  rela- 
tions that  exist  between  God  and  man,  and  between  man  and 
man ;  that  it  will  remain  unalterable  while  the  perfections  of  God 
and  the  faculties  of  men  exist ;  and  that  the  least  deviation  from 
this  rule  is  sin. 

''Secondly.  By  looking  into  the  law,  as  a  clear  glass,  to  see  my 
own  weakness  and  wickedness.  Here  I  found  myself  as  incom- 
petent to  repent  and  believe  in  Jesus,  as  I  was  to  keep  the  whole 
law.  Never  was  a  poor  creature  more  perplexed  with  a  hard, 
unyielding  heart,  and  a  corrupt  nature,  than  I  was.  I  often  com- 
pared my  heart  to  a  spring  of  water,  rising  up  against  God  and 
godliness. 

"Thirdly.  To  view  the  justice  of  God  in  my  condemnation. 
Never  did  the  benevolence  of  God  appear  more  pleasant  to  me 
than  justice  did.  I  was  not  willing  to  be  damned  ;  but  thought 
if  damnation  must  be  my  lot,  it  would  be  some  relief  to  my  mind 
that  God  would  be  just. 

"Fourthly.  To  discover  the  sufficiency  of  a  Mediator.  For  a 
number  of  months  before  I  had  a  settled  hope  of  my  interest  in 
Christ,  the  plan  of  atonement,  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  appeared 
to  me  as  plain  as  ever  it  has  since." 

He  was  baptized  June,  1174.  He  began  to  speak,  with  other 
young  men,  and  even  to  preach  before  his  baptism.  He  joined 
Bellingham  Church  in  the  fall  of  the  year,  and  by  them  was 
licensed  to  preach.  The  next  year  he  came  to  Virginia,  and  was 
absent  from  home  eight  months. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Sally  Devine,  of  Hopkinton,  Septem- 
ber 30,  1776,  and  immediately  left  for  a  second  visit  to  Virginia, 
reaching  the  County  of  Culpepper,  March,  1777.  Afterwards, 
referring  to  this  period,  he  says :  "At  Mount  Poney,  in  Culpep- 
per, I  joined  the  church,  and  undertook  to  preach  among  them 
half  the  Sundays.  In  August  I  was  ordained  by  the  choice  of 
the  church,  without  the  imposition  of  the  hands  of  a  presbytery. 
As  this  was  a  departure  from  the  usage  of  the  churches  in  Vir- 
ginia, I  was  not  generally  fellowshiped  by  them.  I  spent  all  my 


32  JOHN   LELAXD. 

time  traveling  and  preaching,  and  had  large  congregations.  The 
first  person  that  I  baptized  was  Betsey  Tillery.  I  saw  her  in 
1814.  She  had  then  supported  a  Christian  character  for  thirty- 
eight  years.  Iii  the  close  of  the  year  1777  I  traveled  as  far 
South  as  Pee  Dee  River,  in  South  Carolina,  and  returned  to  Cnl- 
pepper  early  in  1778.  Soon  after  this,  I  removed  into  Orange 
County,  where  I  acquired  a  residence,  and  where  I  continued  all 
the  time  of  my  stay  in  Virginia.  My  stay  in  Culpepper  was  not 
a  blessing  to  the  people.  I  was  too  young  and  roving  to  be 
looked  up  to  as  a  pastor.  Difficulties  arose,  the  church  split,  and 
I  just  obtained  a  dismission  and  recommendation.  God  had 
another  man  for  Mount  Poney  Church.  William  Mason  became 
their  pastor,  and  he  has  done  wonders  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 
Having  moved  to  Orange,  I  commenced  my  labors  with  ardor. 
Twelve  and  fourteen  times  a  week  I  frequently  preached.  But, 
notwithstanding  the  constancy  of  my  preaching,  and  the  multi- 
tudes that  attended,  there  was  but  small  appearance  of  the  work 
of  God's  spirit.  I  said  before,  I  knew  my  heart  did  not  burn 
with  the  holy  fire  as  it  ought  to." 

In  1779  he  traveled  extensively  in  all  the  lower  counties  of 
Yirginia,  as  well  as  some  of  the  upper  counties.  "In  June  of 
this  year,"  he  says,  "the  first  camp-meeting  I  ever  heard  of  was 
attended  in  Caroline  County.  By  arrangement,  eight  or  ten 
Baptist  preachers  held  the  meeting  three  days  and  nights,  but 
as  nothing  extraordinary  followed,  it  was  not  repeated."  He 
thus  refers  to  a  circumstance  occurring  during  this  year:  "I  was 
returning  from  Bedford,  and  had  an  evening  meeting  at  a  place 
called  the  North  Garden.  After  preaching  was  over,  a  Mrs. 
Baily  informed  me  that  she  had  a  desire  to  be  baptized,  but  her 
husband  had  told  her,  if  she  was  ever  baptized  he  would  whip  her 
within  an  inch  of  her  life,  and  kill  the  man  that  should  baptize 
her.  That  he  had  once  seen  me,  and  liked  me  so  well  that  he 
said,  if  Leland  should  come  that  way  he  might  baptize  her ;  and 
now  she  wished  to  embrace  the  opportunity.  I  asked  her,  if  she 
was  willing  to  suffer,  on  supposition  her  husband  should  revolt  to 
his  first  resolution.  'Yes,'  said  she;  'if  I  am  whipped,  my  Sa- 
viour had  long  furrows  plowed  upon  his  back.'  'Well,'  said  I, 
'if  you  will  venture  your  back,  I  will  venture  my  head.'  Accord- 


JOHN   LELAND.  33 

ingly,  the  candles  were  lighted,  we  went  to  the  water,  and  she 
was  baptized." 

The  fall  of  1777  seems  to  have  been  with  him  a  season  of 
great  spiritual  enjoyment.  He  says :  "  For  eight  months  after 
this  I  had  the  spirit  of  prayer  to  a  degree  beyond  what  I  ever 
had  it  in  my  life ;  and,  if  I  mistake  not,  my  preaching  savored  a 
little  of  the  same  spirit.  My  field  of  preaching  was  from  Orange 
down  to  York,  about  120  miles.  From  November,  17*79,  to  July, 
1780,  I  baptized  130,  the  chiefest  of  whom  professed  to  be  the 
seals  of  my  ministry.  As  this  was  the  first  time  that  ever  such  a 
work  attended  my  ministry,  it  was  refreshing  indeed ;  nor  can  I 
think  of  it  now,  without  soft  emotions  of  heart.  The  chiefest  of 
my  success  was  in  York,  where  Lord  Cornwallis  and  the  British 
army  were  made  prisoners,  in  October,  1781.  Matthew  Wood, 
Robert  Stacy,  and  Thomas  Cheesman,  (all  preachers  afterwards,) 
were  the  children  of  this  revival." 

"At  the  close  of  the  eight  months  which  I  am  now  treating  of, 
as  I  was  taking  leave  of  the  young  disciples  in  York,  to  return 
home  to  Orange,  and  was  preaching  to  them,  from  '  Little  chil- 
dren, keep  yourselves  from  idols,'  I  was  taken  with  a  pain  in  my 
head,  and  an  ague,  followed  by  a  bilious  fever;  and  preached  not 
again  for  eighteen  weeks.  Reports  reached  my  home  that  I  was 
dead,  and  a  kind  of  funeral  sermon  was  preached  on  the  occasion. 
Notwithstanding  this,  I  was  carried  home  in  a  carriage,  after  six 
weeks'  sickness,  but  did  not  preach  until  twelve  weeks  more  had 
elapsed.  In  this  sickness  my  mind  was  greatly  depressed.  The 
spirit  of  prayer  left  me.  My  hope  for  heaven  was  shaken  to  the 
centre.  The  truth  of  what  I  had  been  preaching  was  doubted. 
The  fear  that  I  had  been  governed  by  an  ambitious  spirit,  like 
Jehu,  was  great.  In  short,  I  was  a  poor,  forlorn,  sick  worm  of 
the  dust. 

"  One  thing,  however,  stuck  by  me,  because  I  felt  it,  viz. :  'That 
death  unto  sin  and  a  new  birth  unto  righteousness,  were  absolutely 
necessary  to  constitute  a  man  either  safe  or  happy.'" 

During  the  next  four  years,  about  the  close  of  the  war,  but 
little,  religiously,  was  done.  In  1784  he  traveled  as  far  as  Phila- 
delphia, preaching  in  the  hall  of  the  University,  and  in  the  streets. 
He  returned,  and  took  a  tour  South  as  far  as  the  Dismal  Swamp. 

VOL.  II. — 0 


34  JOHN   LELAND. 

In  1785  he  repeated  his  visit  to  North  Carolina,  spending  six 
weeks  in  the  tour.  An  interesting  state  of  things  in  various 
middle  connties  of  the  State  was  now  enjoyed,  and  his  labors  in 
this  region  were  abundant. 

The  year  1786  was  signalized  as  a  season  of  great  religious 
prosperity  with  him.  He  thus  refers  to  the  celebrated  Samuel 
Harris.  "In  August,  the  same  year,  I  attended  a  meeting  of 
the  General  Committee,  at  Buckingham  ;  after  which  I  traveled 
southward  to  Pittsylvania,  to  visit  that  great  man  of  God, 
Rev.  Samuel  Harris.  I  had  met  Mr.  Harris  on  the  banks  of 
James  River,  and  accompanied  him  at  his  meetings  through 
Goochland,  Fluvanna,  and  Louisa,  to  Orange.  At  a  meeting  in 
Gooqhland,  after  preaching  was  over,  Mr.  Harris  went  into  the 
yard,  and  sat  down  in  the  shade,  while  the  people  were  weeping  in 
the  meeting-house,  and  telling  what  God  had  done  for  them,  in 
order  to  be  baptized.  A  gentlewoman  addressed  Mr.  Harris  as 
follows :  'Mr.  Harris,  what  do  you  think  all  this  weeping  is  for  ? 
are  not  all  those  tears  like  the  tears  of  a  crocodile  ?  I  believe  I 
could  cry  as  well  as  any  of  them,  if  I  chose  to  act  the  hypocrite.' 
On  this  address,  Mr.  Harris  drew  a  dollar  out  of  his  pocket,  and 
replied  : '  Good  woman,  I  will  give  you  this  dollar  for  a  tear,  and 
repeat  it  ten  times;'  but  the  woman  shed  no  tears." 

In  the  year  1787  he  submitted  to  ordination.  He  thus  refers 
to  the  condition  of  things  in  the  two  years  following:  "In  June, 
1787,  I  was  ordained  by  laying  on  of  hands.  The  ministers  that 
officiated  were  Nathaniel  Sanders,  John  Waller,  and  John  Price. 
By  this  not  only  a  union  took  place  between  myself  and  others, 
but  it  was  a  small  link  in  the  chain  of  events  which  produced  a 
union  among  all  the  Baptists  in  Virginia  not  long  afterwards. 

"In  1787  old  Colonel  Harris  made  me  a  visit,  whose  coming 
called  out  a  vast  crowd  of  ministers  and  people.  His  eyes — his 
every  motion. was  preaching;  but  after  he  had  read  his  text,  his 
mind  was  so  dark  that  he  could  not  preach ;  and  of  course  the  lot 
fell  on  me. 

"  From  my  house  Colonel  Harris  went  down  to  Spottsylvania, 
where  the  work  of  the  Lord,  like  a  mighty  torrent,  broke  out 
under  his  ministry.  A  few  weeks  afterwards  I  went  down  through 
Spottsylvania  and  Caroline,  and  was  glad  to  see  the  grace  of 


JOHN   LELAND.  35 

God;  but  was  extremely  mortified  to  find  myself  so  far  behind  the 
work  of  God.  In  this  visit,  however,  I  caught  the  spirit  of 
prayer,  which  lasted  me  home.  Indeed,  before  I  got  home,  I 
gained  an  evidence  that  God  would  work  in  Orange.  Having 
such  confidence,  I  addressed  myself  to  the  work  of  the  ministry 
with  fresh  courage.  There  was  a  dancing-school  set  up  in  the 
vicinity  which  was  much  in  my  way.  On  Sunday,  after  service,  I 
told  the  people  that  I  had  opened  a  dancing-school,  which  I  would 
attend  one  quarter  gratis:  that  I  would  fiddle  the  tune  which  the 
angels  sang,  if  they  would  dance  repentance  on  their  knees.  The 
project  succeeded ;  the  dancing-school  gave  way,  and  my  meetings 
were  thronged.  Solemnity,  sobs,  sighs,  and  tears  soon  appeared. 
The  last  Sunday  in  October  I  began  to  baptize  those  who  were 
brought  out,  and  the  work  prevailed  greatly.  The  tract  of  land 
which  I  occupied  in  this  revival  was  more  than  twenty  miles 
square;  including  the  corners  of  Orange,  Culpepper,  Spottsyl- 
vania,  and  Louisa. 

"When  the  work  seemed  to  languish  in  one  neighborhood  it 
would  break  out  in  another,  and,  consequently,  there  was  a  con- 
tinual fall  of  heavenly  rain  from  October,  1787,  until  March,  1789, 
during  which  time  I  baptized  about  400.  Precisely  300  of  them 
were  baptized  in  1788 — more  than  I  have  ever  baptized  in  any 
other  year.  During  the  ingathering,  the  following  event  took 
place.  In  the  south  part  of  Orange  a  man  took  his  gun  with  the 
profession  to  kill  me.  He  had  given  his  consent  for  his  wife  to  be 
baptized,  and  the  meeting  was  appointed  for  that  purpose ;  but 
when  we  got  to  the  place,  and  I  had  taken  her  by  the  hand  to 
lead  her  into  the  water,  there  was  an  alarm  that  the  man  was 
coming  with  his  gun.  While  a  detachment  of  the  congregation 
went  to  meet  the  man,  to  pacify  him,  I  thought,  'Now,  or  never,' 
and  baptized  her.  No  mischief  ensued." 

About  the  year  1789  he  returned  to  New  England.  He  thus 
alludes  to  this  event :  "  In  1790  I  traveled  into  New  England,  to 
see  my  father  and  relations.  I  preached  on  the  way,  going  and 
coming.  The  term  of  my  absence  from  home  was  four  months. 
The  number  baptized  was  thirty  two. 

"  The  winter  following  I  made  my  arrangements  to  move  into 
New  England.  Having  baptized  precisely  seven  hundred  while 


36  JOHN   LELAND. 

I  lived  there,  and  leaving  two  churches,  one  in  Orange  and  the 
other  in  Louisa ;  the  first  containing  three  hundred,  and  the  other 
two  hundred  members.  On  the  last  of  March  I  started  with  my 
family,  of  a  wife  and  eight  children,'  and  a  small  quantum  of 
effects,  and  traveled  by  land  to  Fredericksburg,  where  I  took  ship 
for  New  England.  We  fell  down  the  Rappahannock  River, 
crossed  the  Chesapeake,  and  entered  the  sea  between  the  Capes 
of  Henry  and  Charles." 

He  removed  to  Cheshire,  Massachusetts,  in  1792,  making  this 
his  home,  for  the  most  part,  in  subsequent  life.  Frequent  journeys 
were  taken  for  the  purpose  of  preaching,  in  one  of  which  he  says : 
"  I  met  eight  old  preachers,  whose  average  age  was  eighty  years. 
One  of  these  was  the  venerable  Backus."  In  another,  he  remarks : 
"In  November,  1801, 1  journeyed  to  the  South,  as  far  as  Washing- 
ton, in  charge  of  a  cheese,  sent  to  President  Jefferson.  Notwith- 
standing my  charge,  I  preached  all  the  way  there,  and  on  my  return." 
This  cheese  was  said  to  have  had  in  it  1 400  pounds  of  curd,  and  have 
weighed,  when  taken  from  the  press,  900  pounds.  It  would  seem 
that  he  became  somewhat  involved  in  the  political  bitterness  of 
that  period.  He  remarks :  "After  this  I  lived  several  years  in 
great  barrenness  of  soul,  and  had  but  little  (if  any)  success." 

Virginia  was  visited  by  him  again  in  December,  1813.  Con- 
cerning this,  he  remarks:  "I  started  again  for  Virginia;  and 
preaching  on  the  way  to  Washington,  I  crossed  the  Potomac  into 
Virginia  the  last  of  January,  1814.  I  was  in  the  State  eighty 
days,  in  which  time  I  traveled  seven  hundred  miles,  and  preached 
more  than  seventy  times.  I  never  had  before,  I  never  have  since 
preached,  nor  do  I  ever  expect  to  preach  to  as  many  people  in  so 
short  a  time.  The  kindness  of  the  people  to  their  old  friend, 
whom  they  had  not  seen  for  sixteen  years,  was  unbounded.  I 
shall  never  forget  it  while  my  memory  remains.  I  reached  Rich- 
mond on  Saturday,  March  fifth.  The  Sunday  before  that,  Elder 
Courtney  had  baptized  seventy-five  persons  in  the  basin  on  the 
canal.  He  descended  into  the  water,  and  took  his  stand,  from 
which  he  did  not  remove  until  all  were  baptized.  He  had  assist- 
ants who  led  the  candidates  to  and  from  him ;  and  he  performed 
the  whole  in  seventeen  minutes,  notwithstanding  he  was  seventy 
years  old.  The  chiefest  of  the  candidates  were  people  of  color. 


JOHN    LELAND.  37 

As  I  returned  home,  I  preached  in  Dr.  Staughton's  meeting-house 
in  Philadelphia,  on  the  evening  preceding  the  meeting  of  the 
great  convention  which  formed  the  plan  of  the  missionary  society. 
I  arrived  at  home  in  June,  after  an  absence  of  six  months ;  having 
traveled  in  that  time  1800  miles,  and  preached  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  times." 

About  the  year  1820  he  makes  the  following  record :  "  Since  I 
began  to  preach  in  1774 1  have  traveled  distances,  which  together, 
would  form  a  girdle  nearly  sufficient  to  go  round  the  terraqueous 
globe  three  times.  The  number  of  sermons  which  I  have  preached 
is  not  far  from  8000.  The  number  of  persons  that  I  have  bap- 
tized is  1278.  The  number  of  Baptist  ministers  whom  I  have 
personally  known  is  962.  Those  of  them  whom  I  have  heard 
preach,  in  number,  make  303.  Those  who  have  died,  (whose 
deaths  I  have  heard  of,)  amount  to  300.  The  number  that  have 
visited  me  at  my  house  is  207.  The  pamphlets  which  I  have 
written,  which  have  been  published,  are  about  30. 

"  I  am  now  in  the  decline  of  life,  having  lived  nearly  two-thirds 
of  a  century.  When  Jacob  had  lived  twice  as  long,  his  days  had 
been  few  and  evil.  I  have  spent  my  years  like  a  tale  that  is  told. 
Looking  over  the  foregoing  narrative,  there  is  proof  enough  of 
imperfection  ;  and  yet  what  I  have  written  is  the  best  part  of  my 
life.  A  history  seven  times  as  large  might  be  written  of  my  errors 
in  judgment — incorrectness  of  behavior,  and  baseness  of  heart. 
My  only  hope  of  acceptance  with  God  is  in  the  blood  and  right- 
eousness of  Jesus  Christ.  And  when  I  come  to  Christ  for  pardon, 
I  come  as  an  old  gray-headed  sinner  ;  in  the  language  of  the  pub- 
lican, 'God  be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner.'" 

Another  entry  we  find  in  his  journal:  "March  25,  1827.  Bap- 
tized ten  candidates,  which  makes  my  baptismal  number  1362. 
It  is  not  probable  that  I  ever  shall  baptize  many  (if  any)  more. 

"From  pretty  correct  information,  I  find  I  have  now  living 
eighty-two  descendants,  including  children,  grandchildren,  and 
great-grandchildren.  A  few  of  my  posterity  have  died  at  their 
respective  homes;  but  I  have  never  had  a  coffin  or  death  at  my 
house. 

"If  a  conscious  sinner  may  apply  words  to  himself  which  were 

VOL.  II.  4 


88  JOHN   LELAND. 

spoken  of  Abraham,  they  are  as  follows:  'For  I  called  him  alone, 
and  blessed  him,  and  increased  him.'" 

The  following  also  we  extract:  "December  t,  1828.  This  day, 
for  the  first  time,  I  baptized  a  man  in  a  font,  near  the  pulpit,  in 
Albany.  During  my  stay  in  Albany,  which  was  four  days,  I  was 
introduced  to  three  governors.  My  rusticity  of  manners  and  the 
humble  rank  I  fill,  make  such  interviews  more  painful  than  flat- 
tering." 

"May  14,  1831..  I  am  yet  living  and  enjoying  good  health. 
The  year  past  I  have  had  a  large  epistolary  correspondence  with 
distant  friends;  and  have  been  advertised  in  the  newspapers, 
throughout  the  States,  as  an  infidel  and  an  outcast.  May  the 
Lord  increase  my  faith  and  make  me  more  holy,  which  will  be  the 
best  refutation  of  the  libel.  From  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
earth  have  we  heard  songs,  even  glory  to  the  righteous ;  but  I 
said,  My  leanness,  my  leanness !  It  is  now  said,  that  there  is  a 
great  ingathering  into  the  fold  of  Christ  in  all  the  country  around ; 
but,  according  to  appearances,  I  am  left  behind.  Well,  let  me, 
like  John  the  Baptist,  be  full  of  joy,  that  others  increase  while  I 
decrease.  I  have  had  my  day,  and  must  now  give  way  to  the 
young.  The  unchangeable  God  has  one  class  of  servants  after 
another  to  work  in  his  vineyard. 

"July  11.  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul !  The  morning 
cometh  as  well  as  the  night.  Since  writing  the  above  note,  God 
has  graciously  poured  out  his  spirit  in  Hancock. 

"Yesterday  I  baptized  ten,  which,  together  with  three  scatter- 
ing ones,  raises  my  baptismal  list  to  1484. 

"Baptism  does  not  put  away  the  filth  of  the  flesh;  it  is  the 
answer  of  a  good  conscience  toward  God,  and  only  figures  out 
the  salvation  of  the  soul ;  which  is  by  the  resurrection  of  Jesus 
Christ  from  the  dead,  who  died  for  our  sins,  and  rose  again  for 
our  justification." 

"May  14,  1834.  I  am  this  day  fourscore  years  old;  have  just 
returned  from  Chatham,  (thirty  miles  off,)  where  I  preached  three 
times,  at  the  opening  of  a  new  meeting-house,  and  this  day  at 
Cheshire,  to  600  people,  by  estimation.  I  have  now  several  little 
preaching  tours  appointed;  but  my  Maker  only  knows  whether 
life  and  strength  will  be  given  me  to  fill  them. 


JOHN   LELAND.  89 

"It  is  now  sixty  years  since  I  began  to  preach.  But,  ah  !  how 
little  I  have  done  !  and  how  imperfect  that  little  !" 

"  Many  changes  in  the  mechanical,  political,  and  religious  world 
have  taken  place  in  the  course  of  my  life.  Most  of  the  changes 
among  us  in  factories  and  machines  are  transatlantic.  The  steam- 
machines  are  original  Americans.  The  plea  for  religious  liberty 
has  been  long  and  powerful ;  but  it  has  been  left  for  the  United 
States  to  acknowledge  it  a  right  inherent,  and  not  a  favor 
granted,  to  exclude  religious  opinions  from  the  lists  of  objects  of 
legislation.  Sunday-schools  and  missionary  societies  are  of  long 
standing ;  but  camp-meetings  and  protracted  meetings,  (in  their 
present  mode  of  operation,)  are  novel.  What  changes  may  here- 
after take  place,  to  me  is  uncertain.  None,  however,  that  will 
change  the  character  of  God,  destroy  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  or 
assure  any  of  heaven  without  repentance  toward  God  and  faith 
toward  the  Lord  Jesus. 

"  I  have  never  labored  hard  to  support  the  creed  of  any  re- 
ligious society ,  but  have  felt  greatly  interested  that  all  of  them 
should  have  their  rights  secured  to  them  beyond  the  reach  of 
tyrants. 

"Brevity  is  the  soul  of  wit,  the  nerve  of  argument,  and  the  bone 
of  good  sense ;  but  loquacity  palsies  attention,  massacres  time, 
and  darkens  counsel. 

"August  17,  1834.  This  day  I  baptized  five,  which  are  the  first 
that  I  have  baptized  since  I  was  eighty  years  old.  My  baptismal 
list  is  now  1524. 

"January  28,  1835.  I  have  been  preaching  sixty  years  to  con- 
vince men  that  human  powers  were  too  degenerate  to  effect  a 
change  of  heart  by  self-exertion ;  and  all  the  revivals  of  religion 
that  I  have  seen  have  substantially  accorded  with  that  sentiment. 
But  now  a  host  of  preachers  and  people  have  risen  up  who  ground 
salvation  on  the  foundation  that  I  have  sought  to  demolish.  The 
world  is  gone  after  them,  and  their  converts  increase  abundantly. 
How  much  error  there  has  been  in  the  doctrine  and  measures 
that  I  have  advocated,  I  cannot  say ;  no  doubt  some,  for  I  claim 
not  infallible  inspiration.  But  I  have  not  yet  been  convinced  of 
any  mistake  so  radical  as  to  justify  a  renunciation  of  what  I  have 
believed,  and  adopt  the  new  measures.  I  am  waiting  to  see  what 


40  JOHN   LELAND. 

the  event  will  be,  praying  for  light,  open  to  conviction,  willing  to 
retract,  and  ready  to  confess  when  convicted." 

In  summing  up  the  character  of  this  brother,  it  may  be  said,  he 
was  in  many  respects  a  remarkable  man.  Naturally  restless  and 
roving,  he  performed  an  amount  of  traveling  perhaps  not  equaled 
by  any  other  minister  of  his  day.  A  quenchless  love  of  liberty,  both 
civil  and  religious,  characterized  him.  His  energy  and  resolu- 
tion were  equal  to  any  emergency.  He  was  the  subject  of  strong 
prejudices,  and  yet  his  directness,  candor,  and  manifest  desire  to 
know  the  truth,  served  to  neutralize  this  tendency.  He  was  an 
eccentric  man  in  his  mode  of  thinking  and  writing,  and  in  his 
whole  manner,  in  and  out  of  the  pulpit.  It  is  not  improbable 
that  this  erratic  peculiarity  was  encouraged  by  him.  It  certainly 
gained  him  notoriety  as  a  man,  and  attention  as  a  speaker.  Re- 
ferring to  this,  Mr.  Semple,  who  knew  him,  thus  writes:  "His 
preaching,  though  immethodical  and  eccentric,  is  generally  wise, 
warm,  and  evangelical.  There  are  not  many  preachers  who  have 
so  great  command  of  the  attention  and  of  the  feelings  of  their 
auditory.  In  effecting  this,  his  manner  has  been  thought  by  some 
to  approach  too  near  the  theatrical.  Cowper,  the  poet,  says : — 

"  '  He  that  negotiates  between  God  and  man, 
As  God's  ambassador,  the  grand  concerns 
Of  judgment  and  of  mercy,  should  beware 
Of  lightness  in  his  speech.' 

"Here  Mr.  Leland  and  the  poet  are  at  variance.  He  does 
sometimes,  and  indeed,  not  unfrequently,  'court  the  skittish  fancy 
with  facetious  tales.'  If  Cowper  says,  '  so  did  not  Paul,'  Le- 
land can  say,  'so  did  George  Whitefield,  Rowland  Hill,  etc. ;'  and 
they  have  been  the  most  successful  of  modern  preachers.  Mr. 
Leland's  free  and  jocund  manners  have  excited  the  suspicions  of 
some,  that  he  wanted  serious  piety.  His  intimate  friends  are 
confident  that  these  are  groundless  suspicions.  They  believe  that, 
among  his  other  singularities,  he  is  singularly  pious." 

He  wrote  numerous  essays  on  politics  and  religion.  Most  of 
these  have  been  published  in  an  octavo  volume,  which  is  now  out 
of  print.  Several  poetical  effusions  of  considerable  merit  are 
found  among  his  writings.  Many  of  his  best  essays  were  written 


JOHN   LELAND.  41 

while  in  Virginia,  and  he  was,  according  to  Semple,  "very  instru- 
mental in  effecting  the  just  and  salutary  regulations  concerning 
religion  in  this  State."  He  was  several  years  in  the  Massachu- 
setts Legislature,  and  there  contributed  to  equalize  the  religious 
rights  of  the  people. 

Mr.  Leland  possessed  a  vigorous  intellect.  Mr.  Semple  says : 
"As  a  preacher  he  was  probably  the  most  popular  of  any  that 
ever  resided  in  this  State.  He  was  unquestionably  a  man  of  fer- 
tile genius.  His  opportunities  for  school  learning  were  not  great, 
but  the  vigor  of  his  mind  quickly  surmounted  this  deficiency. 
His  memory  was  so  retentive  that,  by  a  single  reading,  he  stored 
up  more  of  the  contents  of  a  book  than  many  would  by  a  dozen 
careful  perusals.  It  is  probable  that  his  knowledge  derived  from 
books,  at  this  day,  taken  in  the  aggregate,  is  surpassed  by  few." 

His  life  was  eventful.  An  interesting  volume  might  be  pre- 
pared, in  connection  with  his  history,  illustrative  of  the  times  and 
scenes  with  which  he  was  familiar.  He  was  permitted  to  see  a 
good  old  age.  In  1831  he  lost  his  wife,  who  had  been  his  com- 
panion in  toil  and  trial  more  than  sixty  years,  and  who  was,  in 
many  respects,  a  remarkable  woman.  On  the  8th  of  January  he 
preached  his  last  sermon.  That  night  he  was  arrested  by  disease, 
and  in  less  than  a  week  passed  away.  Mr.  Alden,  who  preached 
his  funeral  sermon,  said :  "Being  with  him  more  or  less  every  day 
through  his  sickness,  I  think  I  may  say  I  never  saw  a  Christian 
feel  more  deeply  his  own  unworthiness.  'Bury  me,'  said  he,  'in 
an  humble  manner.  I  want  no  encomiums;  I  deserve  none.  I 
feel  myself  a  poor  miserable  sinner,  and  Christ  is  my  only  hope.' 
Being  asked,  very  near  his  end,  what  were  his  views  of  the  future, 
he  exclaimed,  with  both  hands  extended  upward,  and  a  smile  I 
can  never  forget :  '  My  prospects  for  heaven  are  clear.' "  He  was 
buried  near  his  wife,  in  Cheshire,  and  though  the  day  was  incle- 
ment, a  large  concourse  was  gathered  from  that  and  the  adjacent 
towns,  to  follow  him  to  the  tomb.  Sixty-seven  years  he  had  toiled 
in  preaching  Christ  to  sinners,  and  promoting  the  great  cause  of 
religious  liberty.  Now  he  rests  from  his  labors,  and  his  works  do 
follow  him. 

4* 


42  CHARLES   WHEELER. 


CHARLES    WHEELER. 

THE  material  for  an  interesting  biography  is  found  among  the 
papers  left  by  ELDER  WHEELER,  and,  should  circumstances  favor, 
at  some  future  time  such  a  volume  may  be  prepared  for  the  press. 
In'  this  work  it  will  be  possible  only  to  furnish  a  brief  sketch  of 
one  who  was  greatly  beloved  and  devoted,  in  the  sphere  he  occu- 
pied. This  cannot  be  better  done  than  in  the  publication  of  the 
following,  prepared  by  Rev.  Cleon  Keys : — 

Elder  Wheeler  was  born  on  the  8th  of  April,  1784,  in  Essex 
County,  Massachusetts,  about  thirty  miles  north  of  Boston.  He 
was  the  only  child  of  Samuel  and  Catherine  Wheeler.  His  father 
was  a  graduate  of  Cambridge  College.  In  his  childhood  Charles 
was  remarkable  for  truthfulness  and  reverence  for  God.  He  was 
never  known  to  tell  a  falsehood,  and  seemed  struck  with  the 
thought  that  God's  eye  was  continually  upon  him,  and  that  He 
was  acquainted  with  all  his  thoughts,  words,  and  actions. 

He  commenced  the  study  of  the  Latin. language  in  his  ninth 
year,  under  the  instruction  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bramin,  the  Congre- 
gational minister  of  the  place.  He  subsequently  studied  Greek 
under  the  same  gentleman. 

In  his  fifteenth  year  an  extensive  revival  of  religion  prevailed 
in  the  place  where  he  lived.  He,  however,  did  not  seem  much 
affected  by  it.  Near  the  close  of  the  revival  his  grandmother  said 
to  him,  "  Charles,  are  you  going  to  take  up  the  lamentation,  'the 
harvest  is  past,  the  summer  is  ended,  and  I  am  not  saved'"? 
These  words  were  carried  by  the  Holy  Spirit  to  his  heart, — con- 
viction was  riveted  upon  his  conscience,  and  he  never  found  peace 
until  he  found  it  through  faith  in  the  Saviour. 

The  day  he  was  sixteen  years  old,  God  spake  peace  to  his  soul, 
and  gave  him  the  evidence  that  bis  sins  were  forgiven.  He 
united  with  the  Congregational  church  under  the  care  of  Mr. 
Bramin.  He  soon,  however,  became  concerned  on  the  subject  of 
baptism.  His  pastor,  who  was  also  his  instructor,  tried  to  quiet 
his  fears  by  telling  him  that  when  he  became  better  acquainted 
with  the  Greek  language  he  would  be  satisfied  that  sprinkling 


CHARLES   WHEELER.  43 

and  pouring  were  valid  modes  of  baptism.  This,  however,  was 
not  the  case.  The  more  he  knew  of  Greek  the  more  clearly  he 
saw  that  immersion,  and  nothing  but  the  immersion  of  a  be- 
liever in  water,  in  the  name  of  the  Trinity,  is  Christian  baptism. 
The  investigation  was  painful  and  protracted.  It  cost  him  many 
sleepless  nights,  tears,  and  sighs.  The  tenderest  ties  must  be 
sundered,  friends  and  relatives  left  behind ;  but  Christ  had  com- 
manded, and  he  determined  to  obey.  Accordingly,  when  about 
nineteen  years  of  age,  he  was  buried  with  Christ  in  baptism  by 
the  Rev.  S.  Lovel. 

At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  entered  Brown  University,  and^ 
remained  there  four  years.  During  this  time  he  was  a  class- 
mate of  the  lamented  and  sainted  Judson,  who  was  also  prose- 
cuting his  studies  at  the  same  institution.  It  was,  perhaps,  at 
that  institution  he  formed  those  studious  habits  for  which  he  was 
so  pre-eminently  distinguished  through  all  subsequent  life. 

Having  graduated  at  the  University,  he  commenced  teaching 
school  in  Salem,  Massachusetts;  and  while  there,  an  extensive 
revival  of  religion  bjrpke  out  in  his  school.  Many  of  his  scholars 
were  made  the  subjects  of  redeeming  mercy.  God,  in  his  provi- 
dence, made  this  revival  the  means  of  bringing  him  into  the  minis- 
try. He  commenced  preaching  in  the  twenty-sixth  year  of  his 
age.  He  then  left  Salem,  and  went  to  Middleborough  to  take 
charge  of  Pierce  Academy,  and  remained  there  four  years  under 
the  patronage  of  the  Education  Society  of  Boston.  He  then 
abandoned  the  school-room,  and  supplied  the  First  Church,  in 
Boston,  for  six  months. 

In  March,  1813,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Charity  Nelson, 
youngest  daughter  of  Elder  Samuel  Nelson;  and  moved,  the 
next  summer,  to  Western  Pennsylvania,  and  settled  in  Washing- 
ton. On  the  16th  of  October,  1814,  he  was  ordained  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  by  Elders  Philips,  Luce,  and  Brownfield;  and 
the  same  day  the  church  in  Washington  was  constituted.  He 
was  chosen  pastor,  and  continued  to  preach  for  them  until  he 
removed  to  Virginia,  to  take  charge  of  Rector  College.  Besides 
preaching  for  the  church  in  Washington,  he  taught  school  most 
of  the  time,  and  labored  also  with  some  of  the  neighboring 
churches. 


44  CHARLES   WHEELER. 

In  1839  he  resigned  his  care  of  the  church,  and  came  to  this 
State,  to  take  charge  of  the  college.  The  institution  was  in  its 
infancy — the  building  unfinished,  and  embarrassed  by  debts.  The 
first  thing  he  did  was  to  collect  a  library.  To  accomplish  this 
object  he  traveled  through  Rhode  Island,  Massachusetts,  New 
Jersey,  and  New  York,  and  succeeded  in  collecting  a  valuable 
library  of  about  2000  volumes.  In  1840  he  commenced  teaching, 
and  remained  in  the  institution  until  his  death. 

His  labors  and  zeal  in  the  cause  of  education  are  too  well 
known  to  need  any  remarks  from  me.  No  man  ever  labored 
more  assiduously  to  elevate  an  institution,  and  enlighten  the 
youth  around  him,  than  did  our  lamented  brother.  His  whole 
soul  was  in  the  work,  and  his  zeal  was  taxed  to  the  utmost  for 
the  accomplishment  of  that  object.  It  may  not  be  amiss  to 
remark,  in  this  place,  that  Elder  Wheeler  was  a  profound  scholar. 
Few  men  in  the  State,  or  perhaps  none,  excelled  him.  His 
learning  was  not  confined  to  any  one  particular  science.  He 
was  a  master  in  almost  every  department.  To  the  end  of  his 
life,  or  at  least  until  arrested  by  disease,  he  was  a  faithful  and  un- 
remitting student. 

As  an  instructor  of  youth  he  certainly  excelled.  He  possessed 
the  happy  art  of  communicating  instruction  to  his  classes  in  a 
manner  both  winning  and  interesting.  His  aim  was  to  bring  into 
exercise  the  faculties  of  the  youthful  mind,  thus  teaching  his  pupils 
to  think  for  themselves.  And  to  this  I  may  add,  that  he  ever  com- 
manded the  entire  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  scholars.  They 
both  loved  and  reverenced  him. 

As  a  preacher  Elder  Wheeler  possessed  talents  of  a  high  order. 
He  was  not  always  happy,  but  never  failed  to  be  instructive.  In 
his  younger  days,  when  he  devoted  himself  to  the  ministry,  he 
was  eminently  successful  in  winning  souls  to  Christ;  and  if  his 
feelings  and  style  had  not  been  blunted  by  the  school-room,  he 
would  doubtless  have  had  many  more  stars  in  the  crown  of  his 
rejoicing.  But  God  ordered  it  otherwise.  He  saw  where  His 
servant  could  be  most  useful,  and  therefore  committed  to  his  care 
the  instruction  of  young  men  whom  He  intended  should  go  forth, 
as  lights  in  the  world,  proclaiming  the  glorious  messages  of 
mercy  to  our  ruined  race.  Quite  a  number  of  young  ministers, 


CHARLES   WHEELER.  45 

and  men  in  almost  all  stations  in  life,  received  their  education  at 
his  hands. 

His  health  began  to  decline  in  the  spring  of  1850.  At  first  he 
frequently  complained  of  difficulty  in  breathing,  but  nothing 
serious  was  apprehended.  About  the  middle  of  August  he  was 
attacked  with  hemorrhage  of  the  lungs,  which  laid  him  aside  for 
a  few  days.  It  was  soon  ascertained  that  the  dropsy  in  the  chest, 
in  connection  with  an  affection  of  the  heart,  had  a  strong  hold  upon 
his  system.  Medical  aid  was  called  in,  and  did  all  that  skill  and 
kindness  could  effect,  but  in  vain. 

When  first  attacked  by  disease  his  mind  appeared  dark,  and 
his  spirits  depressed.  He  was  one  day  reading  the  twenty- 
fourth  chapter  of  Luke,  and  by  it  was  much  strengthened  and 
comforted.  He  afterwards  said  that  he  had  felt  somewhat  like 
the  two  disciples  when  on  their  way  to  Emmaus.  He  felt,  for 
several  weeks  afterwards,  much  of  the  presence  of  the  Saviour, 
and  a  high  degree  of  spiritual  enjoyment.  The  Bible  was  the 
book  of  his  choice.  He  studied  carefully  its  sacred  truths,  and 
felt  that  it  contained  the  words  of  eternal  life.  He  often  ex- 
horted his  family  to  read  it  regularly  through,  and  to  endeavor 
to  conform  their  lives  to  its  unerring  precepts.  He  also  read  the 
Memoirs  of  Andrew  Fuller  and  Robert  Hall,  much  to  his  comfort 
and  edification. 

Toward  the  close  of  his  life  he  had  another  severe  conflict 
with  the  enemy.  He  seemed  to  think  that  he  had  done  but  little 
good  in  the  world ;  and  often  expressed  the  wish  that  he  had 
spent  more  of  his  time  in  preaching  the  gospel.  He  said  that  his 
employment,  as  an  instructor  of  youth,  had  been  detrimental  to 
his  spirituality  and  usefulness  as  a  minister.  In  a  conversation 
with  the  writer,  a  few  evenings  before  his  departure,  after  anx- 
iously inquiring  about  an  interesting  revival  of  religion  in  pro- 
gress, a  few  miles  in  the  country,  he  adverted  to  the  state  of  his 
mind,  referred  to  above.  I  asked  him  if  he  had  any  doubts  as  to 
the  work  of  grace  in  his  heart.  He  answered,  "Not  the  least ;"  but 
expressed  regrets  that  he  had  not  preached  more,  and  had  not 
been  more  earnest  in  warning  sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come;  and  that,  had  he  done  so,  he  thought  he  might  have  been 
more  useful.  I  expressed  my  dissent  from  his  conclusions,  and 


46  ELISIIA   COLLINS. 

told  him  we  must  have  teachers  as  well  as  preachers.  That  he 
had  been  fitting  young  men  for  the  ministry,  and  had  doubtless 
accomplished  more  good  in  that  way  than  he  could  have  done  in 
any  other.  Having  supplicated  the  throne  of  grace,  we  parted. 
From  that  time  till  his  death  he  appeared  calm  and  resigned. 
The  evening  before  his  demise,  he  read,  in  family  worship,  Solo- 
mon's prayer  at  the  dedication  of  the  temple,  and  seemingly  took 
deep  interest  in  it.  In  the  morning  he  told  his  wife  that  he  had 
spent  a  comfortable  night.  She  left  him  for  a  few  minutes,  but 
soon  returned,  and  found  that  he  was  breathing  unusually  hard. 
She  spoke  to  him,  but  received  no  answer.  He  spoke  no  more. 
In  a  few  minutes  he  ceased  to  breathe,  and  fell  asleep  in  the  arms 
of  the  Saviour,  January  llth,  1851. 

The  funeral,  on  Sabbath,  was  attended  by  an  immense  con- 
course of  people,  and  after  a  short  sermon,  by  the  writer,  from 
Philippians,  i.  21,  his  body  was  consigned  to  the  grave,  to  await 
the  summons  of  Gabriel,  in  the  morning  of  the  resurrection. 


ELISHA    COLLINS. 

THE  following  are  the  only  facts  we  have  been  able  to  secure 
concerning  this  brother,  from  the  pen  of  Rev.  E.  W.  Roach : — 

ELISHA  COLLINS  was  born  in  Halifax  County.  He  was  raised 
a  tanner,  at  which  trade  he  prospered  and  secured  a  competent 
worldly  substance.  When  a  young  man  he  married  a  Miss  White, 
of  a  Methodist  family,  in  Charlotte,  settled  in  that  county,  and 
afterwards  joined  the  Methodists.  But  he  fell  away,  became  very 
worldly-minded,  and  was  really  wicked.  Locating  at  Charlotte 
Court-House,  he  came  under  the  influences  of  the  renowned  Abner 
W.  Clopton.  Of  his  religious  experience  nothing  is  known,  but 
it  may  be  supposed  it  was  clear  and  satisfactory,  as  Brother  Clop- 
ton  seemed  to  think  much  of  him,  baptized  him,  and  soon  influ- 
enced his  church  to  license  him  to  preach,  and  in  a  short  time, 
though  opposed  to  laying  hands  suddenly  on  any  man,  was  one  of 
the  presbytery  that  ordained  him. 


ELISIIA   COLLINS.  47 

He  was  an  uneducated  man.  Possessed,  however,  of  an  excel- 
lent natural  mind,  quick  of  apprehension,  fond  of  books,  which 
he  was  well  able  to  buy,  a  lover  of  conversation,  he  soon  rose, 
through  every  obstacle,  to  a  popularity  that  astonished  both 
friends  and  enemies.  During  my  whole  acquaintance  with  him,  I 
never  knew  him  flinch  from  duty,  nor  fail  to  meet  an  opponent 
when  it  seemed  to  be  desirable.  This  determined  and  decided 
course,  often  attended  by  a  rashness  and  imprudence  of  which  he 
was  too  often  the  subject,  and  which  would  have  been  restrained 
by  a  better  cultivated  and  more  refined  mind,  frequently  led  him 
into  difficulties  and  made  him  many  enemies.  Poor  as  his  scholar- 
ship was,  for  he  could  not  spell  common  words  correctly,  his  com- 
positions were,  when  revised,  characterized  by  force  and  even 
beauty.  His  elocution  was  always  good,  and  sometimes  thrilling ; 
his  thoughts  were  not  only  active,  but  often  profound. 

I  remember  that  as  he  prospered  so  he  provided  well  for  his 
family.  He  purchased  for  their  comfort  and  convenience  a  car- 
riage. The  first  use  of  it  was  to  take  them  to  preaching.  While 
he  was  engaged  in  this  work  some  wicked  person  wrote  upon  it 
with  chalk  an  ill-natured  allusion  to  his  employment  as  a  tanner. 
When  he  discovered  it  he  simply  remarked,  with  a  smile  :  "  Envy 
is  sure  to  vent  itself  against  those  who  rise.  If  I  had  stayed  in 
their  ranks  this  would  not  have  been."  £** 

In  1832  we  had  a  union  camp-meeting  at  Red  House.  The 
stipulated  terms  of  the  union  were :  "No  peculiar  tenets  shall  be 
advanced,  and  no  proselyting  attempted."  At  the  close  of  the 
meeting  the  other  party  opened  their  tent  for  the  reception  of  the 
converts  on  probation.  Collins  remonstrated ;  a  controversy 
started.  In  their  notice  of  the  result  of  the  meeting  he  was 
branded  as  a  selfish  bigot;  but,  nothing  daunted,  he  replied 
sharply  and  roughly,  begged  pardon  for  ever  having  associated 
with  them,  gave  notice  he  would  have  a  Baptist  camp-meeting 
next  August,  and  concluded  by  saying  he  meant  to  abide  the 
injunction  of  Moses,  "Thou  shalt  not  yoke  an  ox  and  ass 
together." 

In  1834  he  and  I  met  at  Midway,  to  constitute  a  church.  A 
minister  of  another  name  being  present,  through  courtesy  I  invited 
him  to  preach.  He  did  so,  but  dwelt  mainly  on  controverted 


48  DAVID  W.  SCOTT. 

points.  I  was  mortified,  Collins  excited.  We  saw  him,  during 
the  progress  of  the  discourse,  wincing  while  he  turned  over  -the 
leaves  of  his  Bible.  His  enemies,  for  some  were  there,  one  of 
whom  had  determined  never  to  hear  him  preach,  anticipated  a 
quarrel,  and  awaited  the  issue.  When  the  preacher  closed,  he  rose, 
Bible  in  hand,  and  immediately  commenced  reading,  "  0  foolish 
Galatians,"etc.,  and  announced  his  text:  "That  no  man  is  justi- 
fied in  the  sight  of  God  by  the  deeds  of  the  law  is  evident,  for  the 
just  shall  live  by  faith."  In  this  discourse  he  followed,  with 
astonishing  precision  and  perspicuity,  the  heretical  remarks  he 
had  heard,  and  in  his  reply  displayed  not  only  his  knowledge  of 
the  Bible,  but  a  surprising  oratory,  which  charmed  all  his  friends. 
The  enemy  who  had  determined  never  to  hear  him  again,  lost  all 
his  prejudices,  and  declared  it  to  have  been  the  completest  triumph 
he  ever  witnessed. 

He  was  my  pastor  for  years.  In  that  relation  he  was  laborious 
and  untiring.  He  left  the  State  somewhere  about  the  year  1836, 
and  removed  to  Tennessee,  became  active  and  conspicuous  there, 
but  I  know  not  the  results. 


DAYID    W.    SCOTT.* 

THIS  devoted  and  useful  man  was  born  in  Monroe  County, 
Virginia,  April  18th,  1825.  His  ancestors  were  among  the  first 
settlers  of  that  country,  and  had  to  seek  protection  from  the  In- 
dians in  a  fort,  where  the  beautiful  town  of  Lewisburg  now  stands. 
His  childhood  was  spent  among  the  blue  mountains,  which  nature 
has  invested  with  incomparable  beauties  and  wild  sublimities. 
Here  he  was  trained  by  his  mother  to  attend  the  sanctuary  and 
reverence  the  name  and  service  of  Jehovah.  The  venerable 
Dr.  John  McElheny,  now  the  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
at  Lewisburg,  was  the  first  minister  he  ever  heard  preach.  He 
was  early  impressed  with  the  importance  of  a  new  heart.  He  says, 

*  By  Rev.  J.  B.  Hardwicke. 


DAVID  W.  SCOTT.  49 

in  his  private  journal :  "When  I  was  about  six  years  old  I  fre- 
quently had  serious  religious  impressions,  and  so  deep  were  they 
that  more  than  once  I  recollect  wishing  that  I  had  never  been 
born.  But  these  feelings  soon  passed  away,  as  bubbles  on  the 
gliding  stream,  or  mist  before  the  king  of  day.  I  would  again 
indulge  in  wicked  acts,  and  think  of  little  else  than  the  gratifica- 
tion of  my  selfish  inclinations.  My  father  was  not  a  religious 
man,  and  never  gave  me  any  religious  instruction." 

Early  religious  impressions  are  generally  lasting.  Indulgence 
in  sin  may  for  a  considerable  time  deaden  the  sensitive  conscience 
and  erase  from  the  mind  thoughts  that  are  unpleasant ;  but  God  is 
a  wise  and  gracious  sovereign,  and  in  his  own  appointed  time  he 
will  induce  the  most  stubborn  heart  to  bend,  the  most  obdurate 
will  to  submit  to  his  Divine  authority.  How  quick  the  evil  one 
is  to  perceive  the  early  religious  bias  of  the  mind  !  How  assidu- 
ously he  cultivates  the  evil  propensities  of  our  natures.!  With 
what  sleepless  vigilance  does  he  watch  the  developments  of  evil 
in  our  lives  !  How  strong  are  his  appeals  to  human  pride,  vanity, 
selfishness,  and  envy  !  With  what  infernal  delight  he  contemplates 
the  growth  of  rebellious  principles  in  our  hearts  1  "  Wherewithal 
shall  a  young  man  cleanse  his  way,"  but  by  giving  heed  to  the 
teachings  of  truth  and  the  dictates  of  the  Holy  Spirit  ? 

Let  us  now  notice  David  W.  Scott  as  a  boy.  He  was,  from  six 
until  seventeen  years  old,  permitted  to  attend  the  common  schools 
of  the  country  in  the  winter,  and  sometimes  in  the  summer.  He 
studied  the  common  English  branches  taught  in  such  schools,  and 
commenced  a  Latin  course.  One  who  was  intimately  acquainted 
with  his  mode  and  habits  of  study  will  testify  that,  with  all  the 
disadvantages  attending  him,  he  was  a  proficient  in  his  studies, 
and  generally  stood  first  in  his  classes.  When  only  seventeen 
years  old  he  went  to  Fayette  County,  and  taught  school  for  three 
months.  He  then  returned  to  his  home,  and  taught  in  his  "  old 
neighborhood  for  three  successive  winters." 

In  August,  1844,  Rev.  H.  J.  Chandler,  a  missionary  of  the 
General  Association,  held  a  meeting  at  Wolf  Creek.  God  was 
present  to  give  power  to  his  truth.  He  roused  his  people  from 
their  lethargy,  and  brought  sinners  to  repentance  and  faith  in 
Christ.  James  Longenacre,  afterwards  a  useful  minister,  was 

VOL.  IT. — T)  ,r> 


50  DAVID  W.  SCOTT. 

baptized  during  a  meeting  held  about  three  weeks  previous  to 
that  time.  Elder  Scott  says :  "  It  made  a  deep  impression  on 
my  mind,  and  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that  I  would  seek  the  sal- 
vation of  my  soul,  and  that  if  I  went  to  hell  I  would  go  there 
praying.  After  remaining  in  this  condition  for  several  days,  which 
is  more  easily  imagined  than  described,  looking  back  on  my  past 
life,  which  had  been  one  continual  course  of  sin,  I  felt  that  if  God 
had  cut  me  off  in  sin  I  would  have  been  compelled  to  say  Amen  to 
my  condemnation. 

"  When  I  looked  into  the  future,  my  condition  appeared  to  be 
hopeless.  After  continuing  in  this  state  of  mind  for  some  days, 
I  came  to  the  conclusion  that  I  would  cast  myself  on  Christ.  If 
he  damned  me,  it  was  just ;  if  he  saved  me,  it  was  mercy.  Just 
then  it  appeared  that  a  flood  of  light,  joy,  and  peace  flowed  into 
my  soul,  and  enabled  me  to  rejoice  in  Christ  Jesus  as  my  Saviour." 

Happy  man  1  He  was  not  disobedient  to  his  newly-chosen 
Master,  but  followed  him  into  the  liquid  grave.  He  says :  "  I  was 
the  next  day  baptized  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Baptist  church 
at  Greenbrier.  From  this  time  forward  I  had  different  views, 
feelings,  and  hopes." 

Like  all  young  converts,  for  some  time  he  appeared  to  "care  as 
little  about  the  things  of  this  world  as  if"  he  "had  no  longer  to 
stay  in  it."  How  painful  it  must  have  been  to  hear  his  parents 
speaking  to  him  in  harsli  terms,  because  he  had  united  with  the 
Baptist  church !  In  after-life,  when  God  used  him  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  his  holy  purpose  in  the  conversion  of  sinners  and 
the  edification  of  the  churches,  how  deep  must  have  been  their 
sorrow  for  reproaching  him  on  this  account !  He  says,  in  speak- 
ing of  this  opposition :  "  It  no  doubt  had  a  good  effect  on  me,  in 
making  me  more  devoted."  He  was  not  discouraged,  but  went 
forward  with  a  humble  reliance  upon  God  for  success  and  com- 
fort. If  mother  and  father  did  censure,  his  Master  and  King 
smiled  upon  him. 

Attending  social  prayer-meetings,  and  being  invited  to  pray,  he 
did  not  refuse,  however  much  he  was  embarrassed.  He  deter- 
mined never  to  let  anything  prevent  him  from  doing  what  God 
had  made  his  duty.  He  was  willing  to  be  a  devoted,  laborious, 
private  member  of  the  church.  His  soul  was  glowiug  with  the 


DAVID  W.  SCOTT.  51 

love,  and  illuminated  with  the  spirit  of  God.  He  was,  from  the 
time  of  his  conversion,  however,  impressed  with  the  thought  that 
it  might  be  his  duty  to  become  a  minister.  God  soon  made  his 
duty  plain.  He  felt  deeply  his  unworthiness,  but  he  remembered 
Him  who  had  said,  "  Lo  !  I  am  with  you  always,  even  unto  the 
end  of  the  world."  What  fears  and  misgivings  harass  the  mind 
of  a  young  Christian  minister  as  he  commences  his  labors !  Such 
a  young  man  is  no  ordinary  object.  Angels  look  upon  him  with 
a  holy  curiosity  and  the  deepest  interest.  No  angel  ever  went 
forth  on  such  a  mission,  and  yet  angels  desire  to  look  into  the 
principles  of  that  redemption  taught  by  the  minister  of  Jesus. 
How  unpromising  is  the  commencement  of  the  life  of  most  minis- 
ters !  What  is  to  be  their  future  for  time,  is  a  question  that  is 
ever  claiming  their  attention.  How  will  he  succeed  in  his  work  ? 
Will  God  bless  him  ?  Will  souls  in  time  and  eternity  bless  him  for 
what  God  has  done  for  them  through  his  instrumentality  ?  What 
momentous  concerns  hang  upon  his  work  !  With  what  weighty 
and  arduous  responsibilities  are  his  labors  invested  !  It  was  such 
a  view  of  the  subject  that  made  Paul  ask  "Who  is  sufficient  for 
these  things?"  Who  can  bear  all  manner  of  reproach,  endure 
hardness,  live  in  poverty,  immolate  self  upon  the  altar  of  Christ, 
but  a  Christian,  a  divinely-sustained  Christian? 

Such  was  young  Scott.  We  now  see  him  leaving  the  home  of 
his  childhood  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a  colporteur.  This  was 
his  school  preparatory  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  it  was 
worth  much  to  him.  He  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing  man  as 
he  is,  not  as  he  is  represented  to  be.  He  saw  his  destitution  of 
grace,  and  all  its  means,  and  his  soul  yearned  for  his  salvation. 
He  soon  entered  the  ministry.  With  but  few  advantages  (and  they 
were  by  no  means  superior)  for  improving  his  mind,  he  commenced 
the  work  of  preaching.  What  a  pity  some  generous,  wealthy 
brother  had  not  given  him  the  means  of  acquiring  a  good  educa- 
tion !  He  soon  located  as  a  pastor  in  Halifax  County.  About 
this  time  he  married  Miss  W.  A.  P.  Hurt. 

My  acquaintance  with  him  commenced  in  1853.  We  were  in- 
troduced on  the  cars,  while  on  onr  way  to  the  General  Associa- 
tion, at  Fredericksburg.  From  the  moment  I  looked  into  his  eyes 
and  commenced  a  conversation  with  him,  I  saw  that  he  was  by  no 


52  DAVID  W.  SCOTT. 

means  an  ordinary  man.  No  one  could  be  with  him  long  without 
being  impressed  by  his  very  humble  and  unpretending  manner  of 
speaking  of  the  precious  things  of  Christ.  I  never  entered  his 
society  without  having  my  confidence  strengthened  in  the  trans- 
forming nature  of  Divine  truth,  and  feeling  my  utter  unfitness  for 
my  Master's  work.  I  have  witnessed  his  devotion  and  zeal,  and 
have  sometimes  despaired  of  ever  feeling  that  I  was  counted 
worthy  for  Christ's  sake,  and  called  to  the  ministry. 

Elder  Scott  loved  Christians.  I  recollect  distinctly  his  meeting 
with  his  former  pastor.  It  was  at  the  depot  on  Broad  Street, 
Richmond.  The  cars  were  about  starting  for  Fredericksburg, 
and  the  street  was  crowded  with  persons  going  to  the  General 
Meetings.  I  heard  an  exclamation  of  surprise  and  delight,  and 
looked  upon  the  pavement  and  saw  Elder  Scott  embracing  a  man. 
Tears  ran  down  his  cheeks.  His  heart  was  too  full  for  utterance. 
After  we  were  seated  in  the  cars  I  approached  him,  and  he  in- 
formed me  that  he  had  met  with  Elder  J.  P.  Corron.  The  meet- 
ing was  joyous.  The  sight  of  him  recalled  the  remembrance  of 
other  days ;  days  of  darkness  to  his  soul,  when  no  hope  was 
known  ;  and  days  of  joy,  when  the  soul  first  felt  the  powers  of  the 
world  to  come.  We  can  never  forget  the  kind  attentions  of  those 
who  were  with  us  in  the  hour  of  conviction,  nor  the  radiant  faces 
of  friends  as  they  greeted  us  upon  our  conversion  and  union  with 
the  church.  How  grateful  must  have  been  his  heart !  What 
encouragements  have  ministers  to  continue  instant  in  season  and 
out,  of  season  ! 

Elder  Scott  was  more  than  ordinarily  pious.  The  work  of 
grace  was  deep  and  thorough  in  his  heart.  His  conversation  and 
life  bore  testimony  to  the  purity  of  his  motives.  He  was  pecu- 
liarly fond  of  religious  conversation.  No  suitable  opportunity 
was  allowed  to  pass  that  he  did  not  bear  testimony  to  the  claims 
of  his  Master.  I  never  heard  him  utter  a  sentence  that  was  cen- 
sorious or  unkind.  His  tenderness  and  love  for  his  brethren  were 
apparent.  Nor  did  love  consist  in  mere  words.  It  was  mani- 
fested in  his  actions. 

He  was  a  self-denying  man.  Throughout  his  whole  ministry 
he  felt  and  acted  as  a  Christian  should  in  regard  to  himself  and 
his  possessions.  He  was  not  his  own.  What  he  had  was  not 


DAVID  W.  SCOTT.  53 

his.  It  was  Christ's,  and  he  was  ever  ready  to  use  it  according 
to  His  directions.  Christ  had  redeemed  and  cleansed  his  soul  with 
blood,  and  he  felt  no  sacrifice  too  great  to  be  made  for  him.  He 
was  economical,  and  set  a  proper  example  for  his  flock.  In  dress 
he  was  very  plain  and  simple.  The  servant  was  not  above  his 
Master.  I  was  with  him  the  year  he  died,  for  several  days,  in  a 
protracted  meeting,  in  an  adjoining  State.  We  spent  many  pre- 
cious hours  in  conversation.  I  can  never  forget  how  earnestly  he 
contended  that  it  was  wrong  for  me  to  wear  a  gold  watch-chain. 
I  made  a  long  and  apparently  earnest  defence,  but  it  availed 
nothing.  Apart  from  his  logic,  there  was  the  man,  simple  and 
plain,  making  all  things  subsidiary  to  his  Master's  glory.  He 
denied  himself  for  Christ.  Was  it  to  glorify  Christ  and  advance 
his  cause,  that  I  wore  it  ?  Might  it  not  injure  the  cause  with 
some,  and  had  a  minister  the  right  to  expose  the  cause  he  pleaded 
to  injury  by  wearing  anything  that  was  not  useful  or  necessary  ? 
Would  the  heathen  not  rejoice  at  the  Bibles  twenty-five  dollars 
would  purchase  ?  What  am  I  doing  for  Christ  ?  was  the  question 
that  I  could  not  answer;  for  verily,  I  felt  as  if  I  were  doing 
nothing. 

Elder  Scott  was  humble  and  prayerful.  A  sinner  saved  by 
grace,  he  had  nothing  to  boast  of.  The  Christian  is  humbled  in 
proportion  to  the  manifestations  of  the  Divine  favor.  All  men 
truly  great  are  humble,  and  never  speak  of  themselves  but  in 
terms  of  prudence  and  humility.  Much  of  his  time  was  spent  in 
secret  prayer,  and  in  him,  in  this  respect,  we  see  an  example 
worthy  of  the  imitation  of  all  young  ministers. 

He  was  studious.  His  education,  as  already  stated,  was  limited. 
He  felt  the  need  and  appreciated  the  importance  of  mental  culti- 
vation. I  am  informed  that  he  studied  Greek  after  he  located  in 
Halifax  County.  The  Bible,  however,  was  his  chief  study.  While 
he  would  have  stood  high  in  any  institution  of  learning,  as  a  dili- 
gent and  apt  student,  for  a  young  man  he  was  remarkable  for  his 
deep  and  extensive  knowledge  of  the  holy  Scriptures.  His  ser- 
mons were  well  arranged.  They  were  what  sermons  ought  to  be, 
full  of  the  words  and  spirit  of  Christ.  With  all  the  disadvantages 
of  a  defective  education  in  early  life,  and  the  perplexing  cares  of 

5* 


54  DAVID  W.  SCOTT. 

a  country  pastorate,  a  small  volume  might  be  compiled  from  his 
writings  that  would  do  credit  to  his  head  and  heart. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  very  earnest.  No  man  ever  showed  a 
greater  desire  to  do  good  by  telling  men  of  Jesus.  His  manner 
was  solemn  and  impressive.  If  he  placed  his  eyes  upon  you  and 
spoke  of  the  sinner's  lost  condition,  or  the  Christian's  obligations, 
you  were  impressed  with  the  belief  that  he  was  earnest.  I  do  not 
believe  that  he  would,  under  any  circumstances,  preach  without 
aiming,  under  God,  to  lead  men  to  Christ. 

His  sermons  were  practical.  They  did  not  abound  in  vague 
speculations  concerning  things  above  the  reach  of  the  masses,  but 
in  the  simplest  presentation  of  the  most  prominent  truths  of  the 
gospel.  Men  could  learn  enough  of  Christ  from  any  of  his  ser- 
mons to  be  left  without  excuse  at  the  bar  of  God.  He  was  not 
what  is  termed,  by  the  masses,  an  eloquent  man.  His  delivery  was 
slo\v,  and  his  gestures  were  at  times  by  no  means  graceful.  I 
heard  him  once  correcting  the  faults  of  two  young  ministers. 
They  were  present,  and  the  work  was  mutual.  When  his  own 
objectionable  manner  was  shown,  he  expressed  himself  as  very 
thankful  for  the  hint  and  determined  to  avoid  it  in  future. 

As  a  pastor,  Elder  Scott  was  laborious.  He  had  the  care  of 
several  churches  in  Halifax  County,  and  two  in  Pittsylvania. 
Their  piety,  general  intelligence,  and  enlarged  liberality,  give 
pleasing  indications  of  his  industry.  We  judge  from  his  private 
journal,  that  he  visited  as  much  as  a  pastor  in  the  country,  who 
had"  three  or  four  churches,  could  visit.  By  the  side  of  the  poor 
he  was  often  found,  telling  in  simple  language  what  God  had  done 
for  a  lost  world.  When  in  the  company  of  the  rich  and  intelli- 
gent, he  did  not  shun  a  declaration  of  the  whole  counsel  of  God. 

In  his  manner  he  was  affectionate.  With  what  care  and  tender 
solicitude  he  watched  his  flocks,  those  who  knew  him  best  can 
testify.  No  unkind  word  ever  fell  from  his  lips.  If  his  members 
were  unfaithful,  he  sought  by  private  and  firm  expostulations  to 
court  them  from  the  error  of  their  ways.  All  loved  him.  I  can 
never  forget  when  I  took  the  care  of  Laurel  Grove,  of  which  he 
was  pastor  at  the  time  of  his  death.  I  spoke  of  the  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances that  made  it  their  duty  to  call  another  pastor,  and  my 
feelings  when  standing  among  them  so  recently  under  the  guidance 


DAVID  W.  SCOTT.  53 

of  such  a  man  as  the  lamented  Scott.  There  was  not  a  man  or 
woman  present  who  did  not  weep  and  deeply  lament  his  untimely 
death. 

He  was,  indeed,  faithful  and  zealous  in  his  Master's  work.  A 
short  time  before  his  death  he  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  a  gracious 
revival  at  most  of  his  churches.  Laurel  Grove  was  peculiarly 
blessed.  Nearly  forty  persons  were  converted,  and  most  of  them 
united  with  the  church.  He  was  constant  in  labors  to  instruct 
them ;  went  to  their  homes,  preached  for  them  at  private  houses, 
and  so  greatly  endeared  himself  to  them  that  some  of  his  brethren 
have  said  that  he  was  too  much  idolized. 

We  come  now  to  the  close  of  this  sketch.  He  was  much  from 
home  ;  in  fact,  for  eleven  weeks  preceding  his  illness  he  had  been 
assiduously  engaged  in  protracted  meetings.  God  had  blessed 
him.  Many,  very  many  precious  souls  had  been  added  to  the 
churches  at  Black  Walnut,  Cross  Roads,  Laurel  Grove,  and  Sandy 
Creek.  On  the  second  Sunday  in  December,  1855,  he  was  at 
Laurel  Grove.  Ah  !  how  little  did  he  think,  or  those  who  heard 
him,  that  he  was  so  near  the  end  of  his  pilgrimage  !  At  night  he 
preached  at  a  private  house,  and  then  rode  several  miles,  and  was 
put  into  a  cold  room  with  no  fire.  He  took  a  deep  cold,  rode 
home  twelve  miles,  and  lingered  for  several  days  in  great  pain. 
Eminent  physicians  were  constantly  at  his  bedside,  but  all  their 
skill  availed  nothing.  The  news  of  his  illness  reached  his  brethren 
and  sisters,  and  many  were  the  prayers  that  were  sent  up  in  his 
behalf;  but  God  had  a  use  for  him  and  called  him  away.  D.eath 
had  no  terrors  for  him.  Long  had  he  suffered  from  debility,  and  his 
thoughts  were  familiar  with  death.  When  it  came  he  was  ready. 
He  talked  frequently  during  his  illness  of  his  approaching  end. 
The  glory  of  God  and  prosperity  of  the  churches  were  still  objects 
of  solicitude  with  him.  He  requested  to  be  buried  at  Black 
Walnut,  and  the  following  words  to  be  written  on  his  coffin  to  be 
read  by  the  congregation:  "  Remember  the  words  I  spake  while  I 
was  yet  with  you."  He  had  lived,  and  now  he  died,  as  a  Christian. 
I  have  read  every  page  of  his  private  journal,  kindly  placed  in  my 
hands  by  his  excellent  lady ;  not  one  word  does  it  contain  that  is 
in  any  way  calculated  to  wound  the  most  sensitive  heart.  With 
all  this  before  me  I  close  this  very  meagre  sketch  by  saying,  in 


56  JOHN   SPENCER. 

the  language  of  another:  "Brother  Scott  was  one  of  the  purest 
and  most  conscientious  men  I  ever  knew.  Often  have  I  been 
deeply  affected,  I  may  say  humbled,  at  noticing  the  uncommon 
purity  and  elevation  of  his  principles  and  feelings." 

Elder  Scott  was  tall  and  well  made.  His  head  was  well  de- 
veloped. He  was  very  plain,  and  at  times  careless  of  his  dress. 
He  was  given  to  fits  of  melancholy,  and  had  a  most  humiliating 
opinion  of  himself.  He  was  once  disposed  to  leave  a  protracted 
meeting  at  his  own  church,  because  he  feared  that  he  was  useless 
as  a  preacher.  The  last  sentence  in  his  journal  commences  thus : 
"I  am  a  frail  creature,  and  compassed  with  many  infirmities;  my 
spirits  are  easily  depressed,  my  vanity  easily  excited."  Who  would 
have  thought  him  vain  ?  No  one  that  knew  him  well.  His  short 
life  ended  December  19,  1854,  in  his  thirtieth  year.  His  sun  has 
gone  down  while  it  was  yet  day.  Though  dead  he  speaks,  and 
hundreds  are  following  him  up  to  the  Christian  warrior's  rest. 


JOHN    SPENCER. 

THE  following  has  been  kindly  furnished  by  Rev.  J.  C.  Crit- 
tenden  : — 

JOHN  SPENCER  was  born  July  23d,  1715,  in  Essex  County ;  in 
his  twelfth  year  moved  to  King  and  Queen,  and  for  seventy-two 
years  lived  at  the  place  where  he  died,  except,  perhaps,  a  year  or 
two,  when  he  lived  in  a  store.  His  parents  were  Baptists.  His 
mother  was  a  deeply  pious  woman,  remarkable  for  her  meekness 
and  gentleness.  Through  her  influence,  no  doubt,  at  a  very  early 
age  her  son  John  was  concerned  about  the  salvation  of  his  soul. 
He  has  been  heard  to  say,  that  he  used  to  get  down  on  his  little 
knees  to  pray,  even  when  he  knew  not  how  to  address  the  Su- 
preme Being.  Yet  he  did  not  experience  a  change  of  heart  till 
about  his  twenty-seventh  year.  Though  he  had  led  a  very  moral 
life,  he  was  under  deep  conviction.  An  old  colored  man  at  this 
time  was  his  adviser,  and  would  pray  for  him.  He  was  led  to  the 


JOHN   SPENCER.  5f 

enjoyment  of  hope  as  he  was  riding  slowly  along  the  road,  singing 
the  verse  beginning  "But  drops  of  grief  can  ne'er  repay." 

He  never  after  doubted  his  conversion,  but  loved  to  refer  to 
this  time,  which  he  did  frequently  when  with  his  brethren.  He 
was  baptized  November,  1802,  probably  by  Elder  Semple,  and 
united  with  Lower  King  and  Queen  Church,  that  being  the  most 
convenient,  though  their  meeting-house  was  some  twenty  miles 
from  his  residence.  At  the  meeting  of  the  Dover  Association,  in 
1805,  he  first  appeared  as  a  delegate  from  Lower  King  and 
Queen  Church,  and  was  almost  always  in  attendance  at  its  meet- 
ings, till  the  division  in  1842.  He  was  among  the  number  that 
were  dismissed  from  Lower  King  and  Queen,  to  form  a  new 
church,  called  Pocorone,  which  took  place  in  1807.  He  was  not 
ordained  until  the  31st  of  October,  1819,  by  a  presbytery  consist- 
ing of  Elders  Philip  Montague  and  Robert  Stacy,  though  he  had 
been  preaching  several  years  before.  In  1820  Elder  James  Healy, 
who  had  been  acting  as  pastor  of  Pocorone,  died,  and  Elder 
Spencer  was  elected  to  fill  his  place,  which  office  he  held  till  his 
death.  He  never  served  any  other  church  as  pastor.  I  have 
heard  him  speak  of  being  with  Semple,  Claybrook,  and  others,  at 
meetings  in  surrounding  counties. 

Elder  Spencer  had  preached  but  little  for  eight  or  ten  years 
before  his  death.  He  was  always  present  at  the  meetings  of  the 
church  when  his  health  would  permit,  and  hardly  ever  failed  to  say 
something  in  the  way  of  encouraging  his  brethren,  or  warning  sin- 
ners. The  first  Lord's  day  in  November,  1858,  was  the  last  time  he 
attended  Pocorone  Church,  this  being  their  communion  day.  At 
the  previous  meeting  he  requested  that  they  would  commemorate 
the  sufferings  of  Christ,  saying,  "  The  winter  is  approaching,  and 
I  may  not  be  permitted  to  meet  you  again."  He  presided,  and 
made  some  remarks  in  defence  of  our  terms  of  communion.  From 
that  time  he  was  unwell,  though  able  to  walk  about  his  room,  till 
the  fifth  Lord's  day  in  January.  A  brother  minister,  after  preach- 
ing, called  in  to  see  him.  He  was  much  gratified ;  and  when 
about  to  separate,  he  followed  him  into  the  yard.  That  night  he 
was  taken  sick,  and  the  next  day  was  very  ill ;  said  he  believed  the 
time  of  his  departure  was  at  hand.  Owing  to  extreme  debility,  he 
could  say  but  little,  and  that  indistinctly.  He  called  me  to  his 


53  JOHN  SPENCER. 

bedside,  and  asked  me  to  tell  the  church  to  meet  him  in  heaven. 
On  another  occasion,  he  exhorted  two  of  his  Pedobaptist  friends 
to  obey  Christ  by  being  baptized,  saying  they  might  repent  it 
when  too  late ;  spoke  of  missions  to  the  heathen,  exhorted  the 
unconverted  to  prepare  for  eternity,  and  then  rejoiced  aloud.  He 
died  on  the  morning  of  the  9th  of  February,  1859.  A  large  con- 
gregation attended  his  funeral  on  the  next  day,  and  the  general 
remark  was,  "Indeed,  a  good  man  has  fallen." 

As  a  preacher  Elder  Spencer  was  below  mediocrity ;  his  educa- 
tion was  limited.  His  power  lay  in  exhortation.  It  is  said  that 
Semple  would  tell  him,  "  I  cannot  exhort ;  you,  Brother  Spencer, 
must  follow  with  one  of  your  warm  exhortations."  He  met  with 
many  discouragements  during  his  ministry.  There  has  always 
been  a  strong  Pedobaptist  prejudice  against  the  Baptists  in  his 
neighborhood,  and  Universalism  has  prevailed  to  some  extent. 
Nevertheless,  there  have  been  some  precious  revivals  during  his 
pastorate. 

Elder  Spencer  was  characterized  by  firmness;  when  satisfied 
that  a  certain  course  was  right,  or  a  certain  doctrine  scriptural, 
he  was  immovable ;  and  yet  he  was  charitable  toward  those  who 
differed  from  him — was  one  of  the  meekest  of  men.  When  any- 
thing was  said  or  done  calculated  to  disturb  him,  he  bore  it  with 
the  greatest  patience.  For  the  sake  of  peace  and  quiet,  he  exer- 
cised but  little  control  over  his  servants.  From  the  time  of  his 
conversion,  he  had  never  made  any  effort  to  accumulate  money. 
He  has  been  heard  to  say,  that  he  could  have  made  a  fortune  mer- 
chandising, in  which  business  he  was  in  his  early  life  engaged,  but 
he  abandoned  it  after  his  conversion.  If  he  had  "food  and  rai- 
ment he  was  therewith  content."  His  servants  worked  when  they 
pleased,  and  as  little  as  they  pleased.  Notwithstanding  all  this, 
he  owed  but  little  at  a  time,  and  never  more  than  he  could  com- 
mand the  money  to  pay ;  and  at  his  death  left  considerable  pro- 
perty. He  never  received  anything  for  preaching,  and  for  thirty 
years,  I  have  heard  him  say,  he  furnished  the  elements  for  the 
Lord's  Supper.  After  he  became  unable  to  preach,  he  gave 
liberally  every  year  for  the  support  of  those  who  had  taken  his 
place. 

He  was  deeply  interested  in  all  our  benevolent  enterprises; 


JOHN   SPENCER.  59 

often  spoke  of  the  poor  heathen,  their  idolatry,  etc.  He  was  a 
constant  reader  of  the  Herald,  and  if  he  saw  an  appeal  for  aid  in 
its  columns,  either  for  home  or  foreign  missions,  it  would  be  the 
first  subject  introduced  after  meeting  his  brethren  at  church.  I 
remember  the  last  time  he  was  at  Pocorone  Church,  the  Herald 
of  the  week  before  contained  an  appeal  from  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  State  Missions ;  as  soon  as  he  took  his  seat  he  spoke 
of  it,  and  proposed  aid.  He  was  strongly  in  favor  of  revision. 
A  fast  friend  of  temperance,  he  joined  the  first  society  in  his 
section ;  and  though  a  physician  told  him  he  would  die  if  he  did 
not  use  ardent  spirits,  he  said,  live  or  die,  he  would  not.  And 
he  was  one  of  the  healthiest  men  I  ever  knew. 

There  was  another  minister  who  joined  the  temperance  society 
about  the  same  time ;  the  doctor's  advice  induced  him  to  drink 
moderately ;  and  though  several  years  younger  than  Elder  Spencer, 
he  has  been  dead  eleven  years,  and  all  his  children  died  drunkards, 
while  all  of  Elder  Spencer's  children  have  been  brought  into  the 
church,  and  have  a  hope  of  meeting  him  in  the  bright  world 
above. 

He  had  an  abiding  faith  in  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  an 
overruling  Providence.  He  has  been  heard  to  say  that  he  never 
grieved  at  the  loss  of  any  property.  He  loved  his  brethren 
ardently,  especially  those  who  were  zealous  in  the  cause  of  Christ. 
He  would  speak  most  affectionately  of  the  fathers  who  had  passed 
away.  He  had  a  likeness  of  Semple,  which  he  had  taken  out  of 
a  book,  and  placed  in  a  frame — prizing  it  highly.  When  he  met 
with  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  with  whom  he  had  labored,  he 
was  filled  with  delight.  In  every  company  he  would  speak  of 
Christ ;  and  to  do  his  will  was  the  great  object  of  hjs  life.  His 
thoughts,  his  conversation,  his  treasures,  were  in  heaven.  He  was 
a  happy  Christian  ;  his  feelings  seemed  to  be  far  above  those  of 
most  of  his  brethren.  He  often  rejoiced  in  the  Lord. 

If  I  had  to  portray  Brother  Spencer's  character  by  one  sen- 
tence, I  should  select  the  commendation  bestowed  on  Barnabas, 
"He  was  a  good  man,  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  of  faith." 


60  ELLIOTT   ESTES. 


ELLIOTT    ESTES. 

ELLIOTT  ESTES  was  born  in  Caroline  County,  Virginia,  July 
23d,  1795.  He  received  in  early  youth  the  advantages  of  our 
ordinary  schools  in  the  country.  This,  however,  did  not  satisfy 
him.  When  he  reached  mature  age,  he  applied  himself  diligently 
in  the  use  of  every  available  means  for  the  improvement  of  his 
mind.  He  was  converted  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  under  the  ministry 
of  Rev.  A.  Broaddus,  by  whom  he  was  baptized  at  Burrus's 
Church.  Feeling  soon  after  that  the  Lord  had  called  him  to 
preach  the  gospel,  he  commenced  a  course  of  study  under  Mr. 
Broaddus,  who  was  at  that  time  presiding  over  a  school  of  high 
grade  in  that  region.  A  devoted  attachment,  which  was  recipro- 
cated, for  this  eminent  minister,  was  then  formed.  In  his  twenty- 
second  year  he  went  to  New  Orleans,  where  he  taught  a  Lancas- 
terian  school  successfully,  accumulating  a  sufficiency  to  aid  in 
completing  his  own  education.  While  in  New  Orleans  he 
preached  to  a  small  band  of  Baptists,  in  a  room  rented  for  the 
purpose.  He  also  occasionally  preached  in  St.  Francisville, 
Natchez,  and  other  places.  Leaving  New  Orleans  for  a  more 
healthy  location,  he  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  Natchez,  taking 
charge  of  two  churches.  He  then  pursued  a  theological  course 
of  study,  under  the  Rev.  Dr.  Cooper,  who  was  to  him  a  kind  and 
devoted  friend. 

.  In  1820  his  churches  called  him  to  ordination,  Dr.  Cooper 
preaching  the  sermon.  He  was  clerk  of  an  association  near 
Natchez  for  some  time.  He  came  to  Virginia  about  the  year 
1827,  intending  to  return  to  Natchez,  but  Providence  directed 
his  course  to  South  Carolina  in  1829,  where  he  took  charge  of 
the  Coosawatchie  and  Eutaw  Churches.  In  1830  he  assumed 
the  pastorate  of  the  Kukland  Church,  in  Barnwell  District.  He 
married  Mrs.  E.  A.  McPherson,  December,  1830.  His  health 
becoming  very  precarious  in  1835,  he  went  to  Europe,  by  advice 
of  his  physicians ;  recruiting  considerably  a  few  months  after  his 
arrival.  He  preached  twice  in  London ;  once  in  Dr.  Rippon's 
pulpit,  from  Phil.  iii.  3.  He  remarked,  that  although  he  was  in  a 
strange  land,  in  a  great  city,  and  in  a  great  man's  pulpit,  he  felt 


ELLIOTT   ESTES.  61 

the  same  liberty  in  preaching  Christ,  as  when  at  home.  He 
preached  also  in  Salters'  Hall  Chapel,  for  Mr.  J.  E.  Giles,  from 
1  John  v.  5.  This  visit  he  enjoyed  much,  hearing  many  distin- 
guished ministers  of  Europe.  Having  returned  home  in  improved 
health,  he  concluded  to  visit  and  preach  to  all  the  churches  in 
the  association  of  which  he  was  a  member,  with  the  hope  of  esta- 
blishing them  in  the  faith ;  many  of  them  being  too  much  disposed 
to  favor  Arminianisin  and  Campbellism.  He  was  satisfied  that 
these  labors  had  been  blessed.  After  preaching  thus  one  or  two 
years,  he  was  called  to  preach  at  Black  Swamp  Church  one  year 
as  a  supply.  He  then  became  pastor  of  Beech  Branch,  Smyrna, 
and  Springtown  Churches — was  pastor  of  Beech  Branch  and 
Arnon  Churches  when  he  died. 

His  death  occurred  June  9th,  1849 ;  at  which  time  an  appro- 
priate discourse  by  Rev.  J.  A.  Lawton  was  preached.  The  next 
day  being  the  Sabbath,  Rev.  J.  L.  Brookes  preached  another  dis- 
course at  the  Smyrna  Church,  when  the  form  of  this  loved  brother 
was  committed  to  the  earth. 

In  this  valuable  sermon,  Mr.  Brookes  remarks:  "The  Rev. 
Elliott  Estes  has  pursued  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry  for 
more  than  thirty-one  years,  and  for  the  greater  part  of  that 
period  has  his  lot,  in  the  providence  of  God,  been  cast  among 
the  churches  and  people  of  Barnwell  District.  His  life  of  holi- 
ness and  self-denial  testifies  to  the  genuineness  of  his  faith.  He 
loved  the  gospel,  which  it  was  his  highest  satisfaction  to  proclaim 
to  others.  He  delighted,  especially,  to  exhibit  that  gospel  to  his 
fellow-men  so  as  to  make  it  develop  conspicuously  the  glory  of 
God,  in  showing  forth  His  sovereignty,  alike  in  the  provision,  the 
execution,  and  application  of  the  gracious  scheme  of  human 
redemption  through  the  sacrifice  of  Christ." 

It  was  our  pleasure  to  enjoy  the  acquaintance  of  this  excellent 
man,  from  the  year  182T  to  the  time  of  his  death.  When  he  left 
New  Orleans,  as  above  referred  to  in  the  statement  furnished  by 
his  bereaved  companion,  it  was  ours  to  meet  him  for  the  first 
time.  Then  one  of  the  pastors  of  Richmond,  we  were  glad  to  greet 
him  as  returning  to  the  State  of  his  nativity,  especially  as  he  ap- 
peared among  us  a  fervent,  heavenly-minded  disciple  of  Christ, 
and  an  intelligent,  devoted  minister  of  the  gospel.  We  held 

VOL.  II.  6 


62  JOHN   WOOLDRIDGE. 

sweet  counsel  together,  and  were  happy  to  introduce  him  among 
the  people  we  then  watched  over  in  the  Lord.  He  remained  in 
our  State  but  a  year  or  two,  making  among  his  friends  in  his 
native  county  a  most  favorable  impression,  as  a  good  minister 
of  Jesus  Christ.  We  should  gladly  have  retained  him,  and  he 
as  gladly  would  have  remained,  but  the  condition  of  his  health 
rendered  it,  in  his  esteem,  necessary  to  seek  a  permanent  home  in 
a  more  southern  latitude.  He  soon  located  in  South  Carolina, 
and  forming  the  matrimonial  alliance  with  a  most  estimable  lady, 
became  eminently  useful  as  a  pastor  and  preacher. 

Brother  Estes  was  a  man  of  warm,  generous  impulses.  Being 
favored  with  a  worldly  competency,  he  cheerfully  and  liberally 
contributed  to  the  promotion  of  those  various  objects  with  which, 
as  a  people,  we  are  identified.  The  cause  of  truth'  and  righteous- 
ness he  longed  to  see  predominant  in  the  earth.  The  society  of 
good  men  he  prized,  making  them  his  chosen  companions. 

Few  men  were  more  solicitous  to  maintain,  in  their  integrity, 
the  great  doctrines  of  the  gospel.  The  Divine  sovereignty  and 
kindred  truths  he  loved  to  contemplate  and  defend.  He  had  sup- 
plied himself  with  a  well-selected  library  of  theological  works, 
and  spent  much  time  in  reading.  But  it  was  especially  regard- 
ing these  truths  as  intimately  identified  with  the  Divine  glory, 
and  of  Divine  origin,  that  he  found  himself  interested  in  their 
inculcation. 

But  he  has  gone  to  his  reward.  His  Master  called  him  awa,y 
before  he  had  passed  the  maturity  of  his  days.  He  was  willing 
in  death,  as  he  had  been  in  life,  to  yield  himself  into  the  hands  of 
his  Sovereign  and  Saviour. 


JOHN    WOOLDRIDGE. 

JOHN  WOOLDRIDGE  was  a  man  in  many  respects  remarkable. 
His  most  striking  peculiarity  was  steadiness  of  character.  Nearly 
fourscore  and  ten  years  were  spent  in  the  county  of  his  birth,  and 
nearly  the  whole  time  in  the  vicinity  of  the  home  where  he  died. 
He  seldom  went  from  the  neighborhood  where  he  resided,  attended 


JOHN  WOOLDRIDGE.  63 

bat  seldom  the  large  denominational  meetings  of  the  country  or 
State,  and  yet  he  took  enlarged,  comprehensive  views  of  things, 
and  sympathized  warmly  with  all  those  objects  which  promised 
the  good  of  his  race  and  the  glory  of  his  Redeemer. 

He  was  born  in  Powhatan  County,  Virginia,  in  the  year  17T1. 
During  the  season  known  as  "the  great  revival,"  in  It 98,  he  be- 
came the  subject  of  a  saving  change.  An  intimate  friend  and 
Christian  brother  thus  refers  to  the  circumstances  of  his  conver- 
sion:— 

"  He  has  frequently  related  the  exercises  of  his  mind  while 
under  conviction  for  sin.  With  thrilling  effect  he  would  recite 
his  deliverance  from  the  burden  of  his  guilt.  For  several  weeks 
he  was  deeply  distressed  in  view  of  his  sins,  and  was  greatly  per- 
plexed to  reconcile  God's  inflexible  justice  with  the  salvation  of 
so  wretched  a  sinner  as  he  felt  himself  to  be.  In  this  dark  and 
depressed  state  of  mind  he  would  repair  to  a  secluded  grove  not 
far  frern  his  house,  for  the  purpose  of  prayer.  To  this  lonely  spot 
he  continued  to  go,  until,  weary  and  despondent,  he  almost  de- 
spaired of  relief.  One  more  honest  effort,  however,  he  determined 
to  make,  and  in  that  place,  hallowed  by  his  strugglings  and  tears, 
he  again  bent  the  penitent  knee,  and,  like  a  condemned  rebel  plead- 
ing for  pardon,  he  there  implored  the  mercy  of  the  great  Judge. 
Just  then  he  banished  all  confidence  in  himself,  and  placing  entire 
trust  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  blessed  hope  of  the  gospel 
beamed  upon  his  soul,  and  rising  from  the  suppliant's  posture, 
with  a  heart  relieved  of  its  burden,  the  face  of  all  nature  seemed 
to  smile  upon  him,  and  in  the  ecstasy  of  his  joy  he  almost  fancied 
that  the  songs  of  the  angels,  celebrating  his  redemption,  filled  the 
holy  and  charmed  atmosphere  in  which  he  moved." 

He  immediately  made  known  his  joyful  emotions  to  others. 
Nor  was  he  content  to  remain  unassociated  with  God's  people. 
He  was  baptized  by  Elder  George  Smith,  who,  having  been  highly 
useful  in  Virginia,  afterwards  made  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the 
sparsely-settled  West,  in  the  early  history  of  Kentucky.  He  con- 
nected himself  with  Powhatan  Church,  retaining  that  connection 
until  the  time  of  his  death. 

In  about  one  year  after  his  baptism  he  was  licensed  to  preach. 
His  zeal  was  marked,  as  he  sought  to  extend  the  reign  of  his 


64  JOHN  WOOLDUIDGE. 

newly-acknowledged  Sovereign.  In  1804,  his  pastor,  George 
Smith,  left  the  State,  and  in  the  exigency  of  the  church,  all  eyes 
were  turned  to  him.  With  but  one  dissenting  vote  he  was  chosen 
the  successor  of  Smith,  and  continued,  with  but  few  cases  like  it, 
to  administer  the  word  and  ordinances  for  about  fifty  years.  Pow- 
hatan  Church  has  been  one  of  the  most  effective  bodies  connected 
with  the  Middle  District  Association,  and  to  his  discreet  and  con- 
sistent course  she  has  been,  under  God,  mainly  indebted  for  all 
her  prosperity.  The  following  allusion  to  his  career  as  a  preacher, 
and  his  peaceful  end,  is  made  by  the  brother  already  mentioned  : — 

"The  relation  of  pastor  to  Powhatan  Church  was  sustained 
with  much  acceptance  and  success  for  nearly  a  half  century;  until 
about  eleven  years  ago,  in  consequence  of  the  infirmities  of  age 
and  especially  the  loss  of  his  eye-sight,  he  resigned  his  pastoral 
care  of  the  church.  But  up  to  the  day  of  his  death  he  never 
ceased  to  cherish  the  liveliest  interest  in  her  prosperity  and  use- 
fulness. 

"  In  some  respects  Mr.  Wooldridge  was  one  of  the  most  re- 
markable men  of  the  age.  Endowed  by  nature  with  a  powerful 
intellect  and  great  firmness  of  purpose,  he  developed  a  marked 
character,  with  traits  which,  with  better  educational  advantages, 
would  have  rendered  him  highly  distinguished  in  any  of  the  higher 
walks  of  life.  Despite  his  deficiency  in  mental  culture,  Mr. 
Wooldridge  was  one  of  the  most  powerful  and  popular  preachers 
in  Virginia,  and  exerted  an  influence  unsurpassed  perhaps  by  any 
country  pastor  in  our  denomination,  or  indeed  in  any  other.  Pos- 
sessed of  a  commanding  person  and  presence,  a  clear,  full,  sonor- 
ous voice,  a  striking  and  dignified  manner,  simplicity  and  clearness 
in  the  discussion  of  his  subject,  Mr.  Wooldridge  often  preached 
with  surpassing  eloquence  and  power.  In  the  early  days  of  his 
ministry  he  traveled  and  preached  much  in  the  counties  below 
Richmond.  He  has  been  frequently  heard  to  narrate  incidents 
of  his  preaching  tours  in  this  region,  one  of  which  was  his  bap- 
tizing several  persons  on  a  certain  Sunday  morning,  in  the  Chicka- 
hominy  River,  among  whom  were  two  persons  of  the  Quaker 
persuasion. 

"  He  had  only  three  children,  two  daughters  and  one  son,  all 
of  whom  survive,  and  who  are  members  of  the  church  of  which 


JOHN    IIUBBARD.  65 

he  was  so  long  pastor.  When  summoned  from  the  scenes  of  his 
earthly  labors,  the  messenger  found  him  ready  and  willing  to 
depart.  He  informed  his  children  that  he  was  resigned  to  the 
Master's  will,  and,  with  no  fears  for  the  future,  he  was  gathered  to 
the  garner  above,  a  'shock  of  corn  fully  ripe.'" 

Thus,  on  the  18th  of  April,  1859,  this  good  man  passed  away, 
in  the  eighty-eighth  year  of  his  age.  His  life  had  been  fruitful 
of  good,  though  noiseless  and  unassuming.  He  had,  for  a  suc- 
cession of  years,  sent  a  liberal  contribution  to  the  Foreign  Mis- 
sion Board,  and  in  his  will  provided  for  an  annual  payment  of 
something  like  forty  dollars  to  the  same  object  for  ten  years.  His 
works  indeed  follow  him. 


JOHN     HUBBARD. 

JOHN  HUBBARD  was  a  native  of  Halifax  County,  Virginia.  In 
early  manhood  he  became  a  disciple  of  Christ,  and  no  one  could 
fail  to  recognize  in  him  the  ardent,  conscientious  devotion,  which 
such  a  relation  ought  ever  to  inspire.  At  what  time  he  entered 
the  ministry  is  not  known  to  the  author,  but  as  early  as  1827  he 
seems  to  have  been  engaged  in  that  work.  During  the  more 
active  part  of  Abner  W.  Clopton's  labors  he  was  intimately  asso- 
ciated with  him,  engaging  with  all  his  characteristic  ardor  as  a 
coworker  in  commending  Christ  to  the  people.  His  gift  was  of 
the  hortatory  character,  and  in  its  exercise,  as  well  as  on  account 
of  his  eminent  piety,  a  large  influence  was  acquired  in  the  Roan- 
oke  Association. 

He  left  the  State,  much  to  the  regret  of  his  friends,  only  to 
continue  his  labors  in  another  field.  We  are  indebted  to  the  Rev. 
T.  G.  Keen  for  the  following  reference  to  his  subsequent  history : — 

"  Mr.  Hubbard  removed  to  Kentucky  about  the  year  1836,  and 
settled  in  Christian  County.  He  joined  the  church  in  Hopkins- 
ville.  Although  solicited  to  preach  to  that  church,  and  also  to 
neighboring  churches,  he  persistently  declined,  feeling  that  his 
mission  was  to  exhort,  and  not  formally  to  preach.  He  possessed 

VOL.  n. — E  6* 


66  JOHN   IIUBBARD. 

pre-eminent  qualifications  for  that  kind  of  service,  and  scarcely  a 
protracted-meeting  was  held  within  a  convenient  distance  which 
he  was  not  invited  to  attend.  His  exhortations  and  addresses, 
after  a  sermon  had  been  preached,  were  most  powerful  and  effec- 
tive. The  expressiveness  of  his  eye,  the  clear  and  solemn  tones 
of  his  voice,  his  whole  manner,  indicated  the  deep  earnestness 
and  solicitude  of  his  soul  for  the  conversion  of  men. 

"Every  one,  even  the  most  hardened  in  sin,  accorded  to  him  an 
unusual  anxiety  and  aS'ectionate  zeal  in  urging  the  claims  of  the 
gospel.  Always  kind  and  courteous  in  his  manners,  cheerful  in 
his  conversation,  affable  in  his  intercourse  with  all,  he  had  access 
to  the  confidence  and  often  to  the  hearts  of  men,  which  could  be 
had  by  few  ministers  around  him.  Far  and  near  he  was  solicited 
to  engage  in  the  labor  to  which  he  felt  himself  called,  and  in 
which  he  found  his  greatest  enjoyment — simply  exhorting  men  to 
accept  the  offers  of  mercy.  Many  a  redeemed  one  is  now  in  hea- 
ven, and  many  an  humble  and  happy  believer  in  Christ  still  lives 
on  earth,  remembering  with  delight  and  gratitude  the  stirring 
appeals  which  he  uttered,  and  which  awakened  within  them  a 
desire  to  be  saved.  The  name  of  John  Hubbard,  throughout 
that  portion  of  the  State  where  he  lived,  is  held  in  sacred  remem- 
brance by  thousands  of  persons  who  listened  to  his  exhortations 
and  witnessed  the  display  of  Divine  grace  as  it  rendered  effectual 
the  word  as  he  uttered  it. 

"He  thus  lived  and  labored  until  the  year  1843,  when  he  was 
admonished  that  his  work  was  done.  In  the  spring  of  that  year 
he  was  violently  attacked  with  a  disease  which  soon  closed  his 
earthly  career.  He  was  sick  only  about  four  days.  Everything 
which  kind  attention,  medical  skill,  and  sympathizing  friends 
could  do  to  stay  the  hand  of  death,  was  done.  But  the  'time  of 
his  departure  had  come,'  and  he  was  himself  conscious  of  it  and 
waiting  for  it.  While  enduring  the  severest  pain,  and  rapidly 
approaching  his  end,  his  wife,  who  for  the  most  part  was  com- 
pelled to  stay  with  her  family  in  an  adjoining  room,  would  fre- 
quently come  into  his  chamber  and  repeat  appropriate  passages 
of  Scripture,  with  which  to  console  and  comfort  him  in  his  suffer- 
ings ;  and  he,  in  turn,  would  attempt  to  comfort  her,  in  view  of 
her  terrible  bereavement.  He  directed  'her  to  the  widow's  God, 


WILLIAM  A.  TALLIAFERRO.  f,7 

and  reminded  her  of  the  sweet  and  precious  promises  which  He 
had  vouchsafed  to  one  thus  left  alone  and  desolate.  This  mutual 
endeavor  to  soothe  and  comfort  each  other  was  kept  up,  at  dif- 
ferent times,  throughout  the  last  day  of  his  sickness. 

"At  length  the  hour  came  which  should  close  his  earthly  course. 
Conscious  of  this,  he  requested  that  his  servants  should  receive 
from  him  his  final  farewell.  As  one  after  another  came  to  his 
bedside,  he  took  each  by  the  hand,  giving  an  appropriate  word  of 
counsel,  and  then  exhorting  them  to  meet  him  in  heaven.  As  a 
favorite  servant,  in  whose  piety  he  had  great  confidence,  ap- 
proached him,  said  he,  calling  him  by  name,  '  I  stand  as  firm  as 
a  rock — be  faithful — meet  me  in  heaven.'  His  strength  fast  fail- 
ing, and  observing  that  his  wife  was  grieving,  he  said  to  a  minister 
who  was  holding  his  hand,  '  Tell  Hannah  to  cheer  up ;  it  grieves 
me  to  see  her  so  sorrowful.'  And  in  a  few  moments  his  spirit 
ascended  to  the  rest  for  which  it  was  prepared.  His  wife,  look- 
ing upon  the  body,  which  was  all  that  was  then  left  of  a  true  and 
affectionate  husband  and  of  an  earnest  and  faithful  minister  of 
Christ,  clasping  his  hand,  though  palsied  by  death,  she  said: 
'Farewell,  my  dear  husband,  until  the  morning  of  the  resurrec- 
tion.' 

"  Thus  lived  and  died  one  of  the  purest  and  loveliest  of  men. 
His  funeral  was  largely  attended,  and  the  sermon  preached  by  the 
venerable  Reuben  Ross,  Moderator  of  the  Bethel  Association. 
The  churches  long  mourned  the  absence  of  one  whose  presence 
was  ever  cheering  and  animating,  and  whose  services  were  so  wel- 
comed always  and  generally  profitable." 


WILLIAM    A.  TALLIAFERRO. 

WILLIAM  A.  TALLIAFERRO  was  born  in  the  State  of  Kentucky, 
about  the  year  1819.  A  brief  reference  to  his  character  and  work 
is  thus  given  by  Rev.  Herndon  Frazer  : — 

"  He  obtained  peace  in  believing  in  Jesus,  in  early  life,  and 
soon  felt  impressions  to  preach  the  gospel.  To  fit  him  the  better 


68  WILLIAM  A.  TALLIAFERRO. 

for  his  responsible  calling  he  applied  himself  with  diligence  to 
acquire  an  education  at  Georgetown  College,  and  afterwards  at 
some  school  in  Ohio.  Being  licensed  to  preach,  he  exercised  his 
gift  with  so  much  acceptance  that  he  was  soon  chosen  pastor  of 
the  Baptist  church  at  Colemansville ;  but  his  health  failing  him, 
(perhaps  caused,  in  its  incipiency,  from  too  close  application  to 
his  studies  at  college,  and  afterwards  likely  from  his  untiring  pas- 
toral labors,)  he  resigned  the  care  of  the  church  after  a  short 
service,  and  visited  Texas  with  the  hope  of  recuperating  his 
health  and  fitting  him  for  greater  usefulness.  While  in  Texas, 
being  unwilling  to  be  a  total  idler  in  the  Lord's  vineyard,  he 
preached  for  a  time  at  Houston,  and  afterwards  settled  at  Mada- 
gorda,  as  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  at  that  place.  But  here 
again  he  found  the  duties  of  the  station  too  onerous  for  his  fragile 
frame,  and  left,  after  staying  about  one  year,  with  a  broken-down 
constitution,  to  return  to  his  native  State. 

"Remaining  for  a  time  among  his  friends  about  Colemansville, 
he  was  induced  about  a  year  ago  to  accept  an  invitation  from  a 
lady  of  that  neighborhood  to  accompany  her  in  a  visit  to  her 
friends  and  relations  in  Virginia,  her  native  State,  with  the  view 
of  improving  his  health.  Taking  up  his  abode  in  Spottsylvania, 
in  the  vicinity  of  Mount  Hermon  Church,  where  he  preached  occa- 
sionally, he  soon  won  the  affection  of  all  who  made  his  acquaint- 
ance or  heard  him  preach ;  and  Elder  J.  L.  Powell  resigning  the 
care  of  that  church  about  that  time,  Elder  Talliaferro  was  unani- 
mously chosen  his  successor,  and,  while  able  to  preach,  was  uni- 
versally esteemed  by  the  church  and  the  community  at  large  as  a 
talented  minister  and  faithful  pastor.  And  certainly  he  was  a 
preacher  of  rare  endowments.  He  was  very  fluent  of  speech ;  his 
language  was  always  chaste,  at  times  most  captivating,  being 
adorned  with  all  the  beauties  of  rhetorical  figures,  with  no  appa- 
rent effort  to  get  up  in  that  region  of  attractions,  and  though  his 
hearers  would  sometimes  tremble  for  him  to  think  how  he  would 
get  back  to  the  track  of  sober  thoughts,  the  writer  of  this  tribute 
of  respect  must  say,  he  never  witnessed  in  him  at  such  times  any- 
thing but  a  graceful  and  happy  descent.  No  ranting,  and  puffing, 
and  staring  for  admiration  upon  his  audience,  as  if  absorbed  in 
wonder  at  his  astonishing  powers  to  move  his  hearers,  but,  calm 


PHILIP  T.  MONTAGUE.  69 

as  a  zephyr  in  summer,  quite  unconscious  that  he  had  said  any- 
thing that  any  of  his  hearers  might  not  have  said  as  well  or  even 
better. 

"  Like  Spurgeon,  in  his  doctrinal  views  he  was  decidedly  Cal- 
vinistic  and  Baptistic,  but  in  declaring  them  he  was  never  dicta- 
torial, but  always  unassuming,  and  granting  to  others  the  right  to 
judge  for  themselves.  Perhaps  the  most  prominent  feature  in  his 
ministration  was  the  power  of  illustration.  The  Bible  was  the 
great  store-house,  from  which  he  drew  his  materials  for  assault 
upon  Satan's  empire,  and  to  build  up  the  cause  of  his  Master ;  yet 
his  varied  reading  in  history  and  philosophy  furnished  him,  as  it 
were  at  will,  with  the  most  interesting  and  appropriate  illustrations 
in  enforcing  duty  and  opposing  error." 

But  the  peculiar  gifts  of  this  excellent  man,  while  they  gained 
the  ear  and  admiration  of  the  crowd,  could  not  stay  the  hand  of 
death.  He  resigned  his  stewardship,  not  reluctantly,  but  joy- 
fully, on  the  2d  of  May,  1857,  at  the  residence  of  Rev.  James  L. 
Powell,  in  Spottsylvania  County.  A  relative  from  the  West, 
being  with  him,  attended  to  the  transfer  of  his  remains,  to  be 
deposited  by  the  side  of  a  beloved  sister,  in  the  old  family  ceme- 
tery, near  Mount  Sterling,  Kentucky. 


PHILIP    T.   MONTAGUE. 

WE  regret  that  more  ample  material  for  a  sketch  of  this  useful 
brother  has  not  been  furnished.  We  have  written  and  applied  to 
several  for  the  necessary  facts,  but  without  success.  In  the  ab- 
sence of  other  information,  the  following,  from  the  minutes  of  the 
Rappahannock  Association,  is  inserted  : — 

"PHILIP  T.  MONTAGUE,  of  Middlesex  County,  Virginia,  was 
born  the  19th  day  of  May,  1778,  and  was  married  the  12th  of 
May,  1803.  On  the  9th  of  September,  1804,.  he  professed  to  be 
born  again,  was  baptized  soon  after,  and  commenced  preaching 
immediately.  His  education  was  such  as  could  be  obtained  in  the 
best  country  schools  during  his  youth.  But  possessing  an  athletio 


70  PHILIP  T.  MONTAGUE. 

constitution,  a  strong  mind,  warm  temperament,  great  firmness, 
and  a  quick  apprehension,  he  did  not  only  improve  his  slender 
education,  but  turned  it  to  good  account  in  his  Master's  service. 
He  was  engaged  more  than  forty  years  in  preaching  the  everlast- 
ing gospel  to  his  dying  fellow-men.  During  much  the  larger  part 
of  his  ministry  he  was  a  laborious,  zealous,  faithful,  and  successful 
minister  of  the  New  Testament.  He  traveled  much  and  preached 
frequently  throughout  the  extensive  bounds  of  the  old  Dover 
Association ;  and  few  preachers  were  more  cordially  received. 
His  labors  were  greatly  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  sinners,  and 
in  building  up  the  churches.  Besides  serving  Lower  College 
Church,  in  King  William,  Upper  Essex,  in  Essex  County,  Exol, 
in  King  and  Queen,  and  Glebe  Landing,  in  Middlesex,  as  pastor, 
he  preached  much  for  other  churches  at  a  distance  from  his  resi- 
dence. In  his  preaching  he  was  generally  doctrinal,  in  exhorta- 
tion earnest  and  animated,  in  private  affectionate  and  conciliating. 
Here  your  committee  would  most  cheerfully  close  the  notice  of 
their  deceased  brother ;  but  they  feel  that  duty,  truth,  and  candor 
require  them  to  advert  to  some  of  the  causes  which,  in  their  hum- 
ble opinion,  had  a  tendency,  to  some  extent,  to  circumscribe  his 
labors  and  paralyze  his  usefulness  during  the  last  few  years  of  his 
life. 

"  First.  By  devoting  his  time,  his  energies,  and  his  talents 
almost  exclusively  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  he  was  necessarily 
compelled  to  neglect  his  pecuniary  interest  and  his  domestic 
affairs,  and  consequently  became  embarrassed  in  his  circum- 
stances. This  was  not  to  be  attributed  to  any  want  of  energy  on 
his  part,  but  mainly  to  the  churches  to  whom  he  ministered  fail- 
ing to  comply  with  the  Divine  injunction  so  often  neglected  by 
them — 'the  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire.'  They  omitted  to  pro- 
vide for  his  temporal  wants,  while  he  was  spending  his  physical 
and  mental  energies  for  their  good.  This  culpable  negligence  of 
the  churches  in  our  State  has  either  forced  many  of  our  most 
useful  members  to  abandon  their  respective  fields  of  labor  and 
usefulness,  or  embarrass  themselves  and  families. 

"  Secondly.  He  unfortunately,  though  conscientiously  no  doubt, 
took  different  views  of  the  great  temperance  reformation  from  the 
most  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry.  Entertaining  these  views, 


ISAAC  T.  HINTON.  71 

it  may  be  presumed  he  did  not  feel  himself  at  liberty  to  co-operate 
with  them  in  this  good  work  and  labor  of  love.  This  is  the  more 
deeply  to  be  regretted,  as  he  wielded  a  powerful  and  an  extensive 
influence,  of  which  reckless  men  availed  themselves  for  purposes 
which  he  never  designed  or  anticipated. 

"Thirdly.  Having  spent  the  prime  of  his  useful  life  and  phy- 
sical strength  in  preaching  Christ  and  him  crucified,  he  became 
much  afflicted  during  his  latter  days.  The  infirmities  of  age  and 
the  claims  of  a  dependent  family,  compelled  him  to  confine  his 
labors  mainly,  during  several  years,  to  his  own  neighborhood  and 
the  Glebe  Lauding  Church,  of  which  he  remained  pastor  until  his 
death,  much  beloved  and  lamented  by  her  members.  Their  pulpit, 
so  long  occupied  by  him,  was  clad  in  mourning  for  their  deceased 
pastor. 

"He  died  on  the  llth  of  July,  1846,  in  the  sixty-ninth  year  of 
his  age,  leaving  an  affectionate  and  pious  companion,  three  sons 
and  four  daughters,  to  bewail  the  loss  of  their  best  earthly  friend." 


ISAAC   TAYLOR  HINTON. 

THOUGH  I.  T.  HINTON  was  but  a  short  period  identified  with  the 
Baptist  ministry  of  Virginia,  it  will  not  be  unsuitable  to  give  his 
name  a  place  in  these  memoirs.  His  eminent  devotion  and  un- 
tiring activity  rendered  him  conspicuous  among  our  churches, 
while  his  warm  and  genial  spirit  endeared  him  to  many  hearts. 

He  was  a  native  of  the  City  of  Oxford,  England.  Reared  in 
the  vicinity  of  one  of  the  most  distinguished  universities  of  the 
world,  and  having  received  a  classical  training,  he  gave  in  early 
manhood  the  promise  of  usefulness  in  the  literary  and  religious 
world.  His  father,  Rev.  James  Hinton,  D.D.,  was  for  many 
years  the  pastor  of  the  Baptist  church  in  Oxford,  and  occu- 
pied a  high  position,  both  in  that  city  and  among  the  Baptists  of 
Great  Britain.  His  mother  was  alike  distinguished,  as  the  sister 
of  the  celebrated  Isaac  Taylor  and  of  Jane  and  Elizabeth  Taylor 
Their  numerous  and  valuable  writings  have  given  them  a  world- 


72  ISAAC   T.  HINTON. 

wide  fame.  Two  of  the  brothers  of  Isaac  were  also  Baptist 
ministers.  One  of  them,  John  Howard  Hinton,  is  pastor  of  one 
of  the  most  flourishing  churches  of  the  City  of  London,  and  is 
eminent  as  an  author. 

The  education  of  Elder  Hinton  was  chiefly  conducted  by  his 
father.  He  afterwards  became  connected  with  the  Clarendon 
Printing-office,  Oxford,  serving  a  regular  apprenticeship  to  that 
business.  For  the  purpose  of  prosecuting  a  work  of  publication, 
he  established,  in  connection  with  his  brother-in-law,  an  office  in 
London.  Various  valuable  works  were  issued  by  them,  among 
others  a  History  of  the  United  States,  handsomely  executed, 
with  splendid  engravings.  This  work  was  prepared  by  the  two 
brothers,  John  and  Isaac,  and  served  much  to  dissipate  the  erro- 
neous views  of  our  country  which  prevailed  in  England.  During 
this  period  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  engaged  as  a  licentiate  in 
preaching  the  gospel  in  the  environs  of  London,  and  otherwise 
promoting  the  cause  of  religion.  He  had,  before  he  left  Oxford, 
become  a  member  of  the  church,  and  commenced  the  exercise  of 
his  gifts  in  public  preaching. 

About  the  year  1830  he  removed  to  the  United  States.  He 
had,  in  the  preparation  of  the  History,  become  ardently  attached 
to  our  form  of  government  and  institutions,  and,  in  the  full  vigor 
of  manhood,  he  determined  to  identify  himself  and,  his  family  with 
the  interests  of  this  rapidly-growing  country.  He  remained  in 
Philadelphia  about  two  years,  uniting  himself  with  the  Fifth  Bap- 
tist Church  of  that  city,  and  employing  his  ministerial  gifts  as 
opportunity  offered. 

The  First  Baptist  Church  of  Richmond,  Virginia,  being  with- 
out a  pastor,  by  the  resignation  of  Rev.  John  Kerr,  Mr.  Hinton 
was  invited  to  visit  them,  with  a  view  to  the  pastorate.  He  was 
soon  chosen  to  occupy  this  position.  Although  he  remained  in  the 
city  a  comparatively  brief  period,  an  influence  of  the  most  bene- 
ficial character  was  acquired.  The  church  itself  increased  in 
numbers,  intelligence,  and  efficiency.  No  man  was  ever  more 
industrious  and  untiring  in  the  performance  of  pastoral  duty.  In 
the  family  circle  he  was  a  most  agreeable  companion.  Affable, 
cordial,  and  sincere,  he  won  the  affections  of  his  brethren,  and  the 
respect  of  the  community  at  large.  In  the  dwellings  of  the  poor 


ISAAC  T.  HINTON.  73 

by  the  bedside  of  the  sick,  as  well  as  among  the  more  prosperous 
and  wealthy,  he  was  found  mingling  with  the  people  he  served, 
and  aiming,  in  his  ministerial  character,  to  do  them  good.  This 
being  his  first  pastoral  charge,  with  all  the  strength  of  early  love 
he  seemed  earnestly  intent  on  the  prosecution  of  his  great  work. 
His  affections  were  naturally  strong  and  ardent,  and  they  were 
poured  forth  in  no  unstinted  measure.  All  knew  him  to  be  their 
true  faithful  adviser  and  friend. 

His  labors  in  Richmond  were  varied  and  abundant.  No 
amount  of  fatigue  or  personal  inconvenience  was  regarded.  With 
unceasing  activity  of  mind,  he  was  ever  seeking  opportunities  of 
promoting  the  welfare  of  others,  and  so  systematized  his  opera- 
tions as  to  accomplish  an  almost  incredible  amount  of  service. 
The  great  interests  of  the  denomination  in  the  State,  and  the  cause 
of  Christ  at  large,  also  engaged  his  constant  thought.  Churches 
in  different  directions  were  visited,  and  always  with  acceptance 
and  profit.  In  the  different  Boards  he  was  a  laborious,  practical 
worker.  The  impression  left  upon  individuals  and  families  in 
Richmond  was  beneficial  and  enduring.  As  a  preacher  he  occu- 
pied a  strong  position  among  the  other  pastors  of  the  city.  Con- 
servative and  kindly  in  his  bearing  toward  those  who  differed  from 
him,  he  was  yet  firm  and  unyielding  in  maintaining  the  doctrines 
and  ordinances  of  the  gospel.  When  he  came  from  England,  iti 
common  with  many  Baptists  of  that  country,  he  inclined  to  the 
practice  of  open  communion;  but  be  was  soon  satisfied  of  its  im- 
propriety, and  was  more  and  more  confirmed  in  this,  as  experience 
increased.  During  his  residence  in  Virginia,  the  controversy 
growing  out  of  Mr.  A.  Campbell's  theory  prevailed.  Into  this  he 
entered  with  no  little  spirit  and  success.  He  took  strong  views 
of  Divine  sovereignty,  human  depravity,  the  sacrifice  of  Christ, 
the  Spirit's  work  in  conversion,  and  other  kindred  doctrines. 

He  left  Richmond  in  1835,  to  take  charge  of  the  Baptist  church 
in  Chicago,  then  a  comparatively  small  town.  Soon  the  interests 
of  the  cause  were  seen  to  advance.  His  characteristic  energy 
found  full  scope  amid  the  exciting  influences  by  which  he  was  sur- 
rounded. While  the  community  were  borne  on  by  the  tide  of 
worldliness,  his  influence  was  exerted  against  this  current.  To 
mould  the  character  of  men  for  the  society  above,  to  instruct  them 

VOL.  n.  7 


74  ISAAC   T.  IIINTON. 

in  the  art  of  laying  up  treasures  in  heaven,  seemed  to  be  his  high- 
est ambition.  He  labored  not  in  vain.  He  remained  in  this 
growing  city  until  he  was  permitted  to  see  a  large  church  built 
up,  when  he  removed  to  St.  Louis. 

His  pastoral  labors  in  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  commenced  October, 
1841,  in  connection  with  the  Second  Baptist  Church.  He  labored 
most  indefatigably,  and  was  eminently  successful.  Under  his  ad- 
ministration about  one  hundred  and  twenty  were  baptized,  and  as 
many  more  by  letter.  On  the  11th  of  November,  1844,  he  tendered 
his  resignation,  with  the  view  of  accepting  the  call  from  a  newly- 
formed  church  in  New  Orleans.  Subsequently  the  St.  Louis 
church  unanimously  invited  him  to  remain,  but  he  felt  himself  con- 
strained to  leave  for  the  newly-proposed  field.  This  was  at  no 
little  personal  sacrifice.  Endeared  associations  were  surrendered 
with  a  purpose  to  build  up,  if  possible,  the  cause  in  the  Crescent 
City.  He  went,  too,  with  the  knowledge  of  serious  exposure  to 
himself  and  family,  arising  from  the  unhealthiness  of  the  position 
during  certain  seasons  of  the  year. 

In  assuming  the  duties  of  this  new  position  he  entered  with 
characteristic  enthusiasm  upon  his  loved  work,  visiting  from  house 
to  house,  holding  meetings  of  various  kinds,  enlarging  the  Sun- 
day-school, purchasing  a  lot  and  building  upon  it  a  small  house 
of  worship,  and  preaching  the  gospel  by  day  and  night.  His  minis- 
tration was  soon  powerfully  felt.  The  church  increased  in  num- 
bers and  influence.  It  was  the  privilege  of  the  author  to  visit 
New  Orleans  a  short  time  before  his  death,  and  to  renew  the  inti- 
macy which  had  been  so  pleasantly  formed  in  his  earlier  pastoral 
life  in  Richmond.  He  was  found,  with  few  to  help,  as  in  previous 
years,  most  laboriously  engaged  in  struggling  against  opposing 
interests.  We  found  him  the  same  genial,  affectionate,  earnest- 
hearted  man,  as  in  years  past,  and  could  not  but  be  affected  by 
the  self-sacrificing  and  consuming  zeal  which  he  evinced.  When 
the  sickly  season  commenced  in  1847,  he  determined  to  remain  at 
his  post.  The  yellow  fever  raged  with  more  than  ordinary  power, 
but  he  shrunk  not.  Visiting  among  the  sick  and  dying,  while 
scores  were  daily  borne  to  the  tomb,  he  at  length  was  seized  by 
this  terrible  disease,  and  in  a  few  short  hours  fell  a  victim  to  its 
power.  His  death  occurred  in  August,  1847. 


SPILSBY    WOOLFOLK.  75 

Isaac  T.  Hinton  was  no  ordinary  man.  We  loved  him  as  a 
personal  friend,  and  admired  his  talents,  especially  his  disinte- 
rested, indefatigable  energy  in  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteous- 
ness. 


SPILSBY    WOOLFOLK. 

ELDER  SPILSBY  WOOLFOLK  was  best  known  in  the  county  of 
his  birth  and  residence.  He  seldom  passed  beyond  the  neigh- 
borhood where  he  statedly  labored,  and  his  influence,  therefore, 
was  less  extensive.  He  was  born  in  the  year  1765,  in  Caroline 
County,  and  became  interested  in  the  subject  of  religion,  profess- 
ing attachment  to  the  Saviour  in  1800.  He  was  baptized  in 
December  of  that  year.  His  ministerial  functions  were  not 
assumed  until  the  year  1814.  In  the  early  part  of  his  ministry 
he  performed  service  in  preaching  for  Burrus's,  Concord, 
Providence,  Reedy  Mill,  Bowling  Green,  etc.,  but  later  in  life 
was  mostly  engaged  in  watching  over  Bethel  Church,  Caroline 
County. 

His  talents  as  a  preacher  scarcely  reached  mediocrity,  and  yet, 
such  was  the  earnest  and  consistent  devotion  he  evinced,  that  all 
regarded  him  as  a  true  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  aiming  to  promote 
the  honor  of  his  Master.  His  early  educational  advantages  being 
scanty,  and  commencing  the  ministry  at  a  period  of  life  when  his 
mental  habits  were  fixed,  he  was  unprepared  to  devote  himself  to 
such  a  course  of  reading  as  would  furnish  enlarged  views  of 
spiritual  truth.  His  course,  in  this  respect,  was  not  favorable  to 
improvement  of  mind,  and  consequently  he  kept  not  pace  with 
the  age.  This  he  saw  and  felt  in  the  latter  part  of  his  life.  And 
yet  he  could  look  back  with  the  pleasing  consciousness  that  in 
the  service  of  Virginia  Baptists  he  had  faithfully  wrought.  His 
labors  were  not  unrecognized  by  his  Divine  Lord,  but  blessed  in 
the  conversion  of  men,  and  in  the  increased  hope  and  joy  of  his 
brethren. 

Elder  Woolfolk  was  much  regarded  by  those  who  intimately 


76  AVILLIAM   SOUTH  WOOD. 

knew  him.  In  the  language  of  one  of  his  relatives,  "  he  was  a 
good  man,  of  cheerful,  sociable  disposition,  and  very  popular  with 
the  world  and  the  church." 

He  lived  to  see  a  good  old  age.  On  the  23d  of  July,  1841,  in 
the  county  of  his  birth,  he  passed  away  to  the  rest  which  remaineth 
for  the  people  of  God. 


WILLIAM    SOUTH  WOOD. 

THE  following  sketch  was  prepared  by  Rev.  Robert  Ryland, 
and  published  in  the  Religious  Herald.  It  presents  a  record 
which  many  will  recognize  as  truthful. 

WILLIAM  SOUTHWOOD  was  born  in  Devonshire,  England,  Oc- 
tober 22,  1785.  The  only  circumstance  of  interest  than  I  can 
relate  concerning  his  family  is,  that  his  mother  was  first  cousin  to 
the  celebrated  Dr.  Walcott,  better  known  to  the  reading  world  as 
Peter  Pindar.  Born  and  brought  up  in  the  Episcopal  church,  he 
was  intended  by  his  parents  for  the  gospel  ministry  in  that  com- 
munion. He  enjoyed,  I  believe,  the  advantages  of  a  partial 
course  at  Cambridge,  but  did  not  remain  long  enough  to  obtain  a 
diploma.  About  the  time  that  it  became  necessary  to  take  deci- 
sive measures  in  regard  to  his  future  course,  he  determined  to 
examine  more  rigidly  his  spiritual  character,  and  to  investigate 
thoroughly  the  evidences  and  nature  of  the  Christian  religion. 
His  nature  revolted  at  the  idea  of  professing  to  be  what  he  was 
not,  and  of  teaching  what  he  did  not  believe  or  comprehend.  He 
was  in  this  state  of  mind  providentially  thrown  under  the  influence 
of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Hawker,  of  Plymouth,  whose  preaching  seems 
to  have  been  blessed  to  his  saving  illumination.  Carrying  out  his 
original  purpose  of  taking  up  no  opinion  on  mere  authority,  he 
proceeded  to  inquire  into  the  prominent  doctrines  of  religion,  and 
into  the  organization  of  the  church  of  Christ.  He  has  often  felt 
he  was  "by  nature  a  skeptic." 

It  was  quite  apparent  throughout  his  subsequent  life,  that  he 
was  not  disposed  to  believe  simply  because  others  did.  From  the 


WILLIAM  SOUTHWOOD.  77 

beginning  of  his  researches  he  was  aware  that  a  change  of  senti- 
ment would  lead  to  the  relinquishment  of  the  grammar  school  in 
Devonshire  with  which  he  was  intrusted,  and  other  prospects  still 
more  imposing.  But  these  were  not  the  strongest  inducements 
that  his  love  of  truth  was  called  to  resist.  A  more  respectable 
association  awaited  him  in  the  Church  of  England.  The  wealth, 
and  learning,  and  refinement  of  the  country  sympathized  with  her 
imposing  forms  of  worship.  Among  the  dissenters,  and  espe- 
cially among  the  Baptists,  there  was  little  that  excited  worldly 
aspirations,  or  afforded  a  field  for  worldly  ambition.  It  has  been 
sneeringly  said,  that  "  every  man  has  his  price."  But  the  conclu- 
sion to  which  Mr.  Southwood  came,  and  the  perseverance  with 
which  he  maintained  it,  prove  most  clearly  that  neither  the  love 
of  money  nor  worldly  policy  warped  his  judgment. 

His  early  ministry  was  with  the  Baptist  church  at  Sodbury,  in 
Gloucestershire,  to  whose  acquaintance  he  was  introduced  by  Rev. 
Dr.  Jay,  of  Bath.  Having  been  actively  and  usefully  employed 
there  for  some  years,  he  removed  to  Kensington,  near  London, 
whence,  after  a  considerable  period  of  pastoral  labor,  he  removed 
to  the  United  States.  This  country,  he  has  often  said,  was  from 
his  youth  the  beau  ideal  of  perfection ;  but  like  other  imagina- 
tions, this  was  not  fully  realized.  He  found  many  things  among 
us  that  he  admired,  and  doubtless  many  that  he  would  have 
wished  to  see  improved.  I  first  saw  him  about  seventeen  years 
ago,  in  company  with  his  friend  and  countryman,  Elder  Isaac  T. 
Hinton,  both  recently  arrived  among  us.  They  seemed  to  me  to 
have  many  dissimilarities  of  temper,  but  both  to  be  whole-hearted, 
straight-forward,  and  true  men ;  easily  to  become  acquainted  with  ; 
sincerely  pious,  but  far  removed  from  sanctimoniousness ;  very  com- 
panionable, and  though  not  light,  able  to  enjoy  a  hearty  laugh. 

Mr.  Southwood  first  settled  with  the  Baptist  church  in  Peters- 
burg, in  this  State,  where  he  remained  about  six  years.  He  then 
supplied  the  Bruington  Church,  in  King  and  Queen  County. 
After  a  brief  sojourn  with  this  people,  he  was  called  to  the  spirit- 
ual oversight  of  the  St.  Stephen's  Church ;  among  whom,  on  the 
13th  of  October,  1850,  he  calmly  resigned  his  commission  and  his 
spirit  to  Him  who  gave  them.  In  all  these  relations,  though  he 
was  not  what  is  termed  a  popular  preacher,  he  made  many  warm 

7* 


?8  WILLIAM   SOUTHWOOD. 

friends,  and  convinced  the  discerning  public  that  he  was  a  godly 
well-instructed,  and  faithful  minister. 

His  whole  history  shows  that  his  prominent  traits  of  character 
were  rigid  integrity  and  childlike  simplicity.  There  was  no  ves- 
tige of  duplicity  in  his  nature,  no  policy,  but  he  had  an  open, 
unsuspecting  heart,  that  spoke  forth  its  feelings  with  a  candor 
that  sometimes  bordered  on  imprudence.  If  he  was  inclined,  at 
times,  to  be  satirical,  his  aim  was  the  improvement  of  men,  not 
their  wanton  mortification.  His  bearing  was  dignified,  while  to 
the  youngest  and  lowest  he  was  affable  and  benevolent.  As  a 
pastor  he  won  the  affections  of  his  people  by  visiting  them  at  their 
own  houses,  and  by  his  delicate  attentions  to  the  sick  and  to  chil- 
dren. His  interviews  were  strictly  religious,  and  were  closed,  when 
appropriate,  with  reading  and  prayer. 

Mr.  Southwood  was  fond  of  preaching.  Having  no  secular 
business,  not  even  the  cares  of  housekeeping,  to  divert  his  atten- 
tion, he  gave  himself  to  reading,  studied  his  sermons  with  care, 
and  was  rarely  caught  unprepared  to  address  an  audience.  His 
exhibitions  of  truth,  however,  were  better  adapted  to  instruct  the 
disciples  of  Christ  in  the  doctrines  of  grace,  than  to  awaken  con- 
cern in  thoughtless  minds.  Having  raised  a  high  standard  of 
Christian  character,  he  directed  his  efforts  mainly  to  the  cultiva- 
tion of  knowledge  and  piety  in  the  churches.  He  thought  that 
the  ministers  in  America  attached  an  undue  importance  to  the 
introduction  of  persons  into  the  church,  and  were  not  sufficiently 
alive  to  the  necessity  of  training  them  to  habits  of  self-govern- 
ment, to  systematic  benevolence,  and  to  progress  in  knowledge 
and  holiness. 

Mr.  Southwood  has  been  censured  by  some  of  his  brethren  for 
maintaining  high  ground  in  relation  to  the  episcopal  office,  and 
in  this  hyper-democratic  age  it  is  manifest  that  no  seeker  of  popu- 
larity would  have  imbibed  or  expressed  his  views.  But  those 
who  knew  him  well  were  constrained  to  admit,  that  with  his  will- 
ingness to  receive  attention  and  respect,  he  combined,  to  a  high 
degree,  a  spirit  of  courtesy  and  artless  simplicity.  No  man  pro- 
bably had  less  disposition  to  lord  it  over  God's  heritage,  or  to 
seek  pre-eminence  among  his  brethren.  Coming  from  a  country 
more  matured,  more  accustomed  to  respect  usage,  and  more  sys- 


WILLIAM  SOUTHWOOD.  79 

tematic  iu  all  its  secular  and  spiritual  proceedings  than  ours,  and 
coming,  too,  at  a  period  of  life  when  the  leading  judgments  of  the 
mind  are  already  formed,  he  might  have  been  expected  to  observe 
things  that  would  seem  uncouth  to  his  taste.  And  if,  owing  to 
his  freedom  from  policy,  and  his  sincere  hatred  of  quackery  in  all 
its  forms,  he  expressed  himself  candidly,  or  even  sarcastically,  he 
should  not  have  been  judged  with  severity. 

Mr.  Southwood  was  not  a  man  of  the  world.  He  had  seen  a 
great  deal  of  the  world,  had  mingled  in  good  society  on  both 
sides  of  the  Atlantic ;  was  well  read,  especially  in  sacred  litera- 
ture ;  was  social  in  his  disposition  ;  always  instructive  in  conver- 
sation ;  but  still  his  manners,  his  appearance,  and  his  whole  bear- 
ing showed  him  to  be  not  of  the  world.  He  knew  little  of  dollars 
and  cents,  of  buying  and  selling.  His  heart  was  turned  to  the 
consideration  of  subjects  of  a  higher  and  purer  nature.  He  was 
a  lover  of  truth.  For  several  months  before  his  demise  there  was, 
as  evinced  by  his  sermons,  prayers,  and  letters,  a  rapid  increase 
of  spirituality  in  his  affections.  As  a  specimen  of  his  easy,  fami- 
liar intercourse,  and  of  his  Bible-loving  piety,  I  will  quote  only 
one  passage  from  a  letter  to  a  much-loved  friend. 

"I  have  just  been  reading  the  Sixty-seventh  Psalm.  I  really 
believe  it !  Oh,  I  am  glad  I  am  a  believer,  and  that  I  can  receive 
really  God's  blessed  word.  I  would  not  be  an  infidel  for  ten 
thousand  worlds ;  I  would  almost  as  soon  be  a  formalist  or  a  devil. 
What  a  delight  does  it  afford  to  believe  God's  word !  to  enter  into  it, 
how  it  enlarges  the  mind  and  the  heart !  And  how  it  warms,  and 
rejoices,  and  comforts  !  Only  think  of  the  last  three  verses  of  this 
beautiful  psalm  !  Think  of  the  mental,  the  intellectual,  the  heart- 
obedience  of  the  fifth  verse ;  the  call  to  personal  piety,  and  the 
demand  upon  us  to  extend  our  benevolent  instructions  to  others — 
to  all !  Then  the  promise  in  the  sixth  verse,  then  its  reiteration, 
and  its  extension  in  the  seventh  verse.  What  a  delightful  con- 
templation for  faith !  But  the  infidel,  or  the  formalist,  knows 
nothing  of  it ;  and  the  devil  has  only  the  pleasure  of  trembling  at 
it.  I  wonder  how  farmers  and  gardeners  read  these  verses  !" 

In  the  midst  of  his  great  studies  and  pastoral  duties,  death 
came  suddenly  upon  him.  On  Saturday,  October  12th,  1850,  he 
prepared  an  exposition  of  Genesis,  xxviii.  10-12,  for  his  Sunday 


80  LEONARD   NUNNALLY. 

morning's  exercise.  After  taking  tea,  and  conducting  worship 
with  the  family,  he  retired  about  ten  o'clock,  in  his  usual  health. 
About  one  o'clock  he  awoke  with  a  paroxysm  of  pain  in  the 
chest,  and  in  a  few  moments,  before  a  physician  could  be  called, 
without  a  struggle  or  a  distortion  of  a  feature  of  the  face,  he 
gently  passed  into  the  placid  sleep  of  death. 


LEONARD    NUNNALLY. 

PARTICULAR  information  concerning  the  early  history  of  ELDER 
NUNNALLY  has  been  sought  without  success.  We  know  not 
where  or  when  he  was  born,  nor  have  we  secured  the  dates  or  the 
circumstances  of  lhat  great  change  through  which  he  passed  in 
becoming  a  disciple  of  Christ.  It  would  have  been  gratifying  to 
many  if  something  more  in  detail  were  recorded.  It  is  still  grati- 
fying to  the  author  to  be  able  to  say  anything  concerning  one  who, 
in  the  sphere  he  moved,  was  beloved  and  useful. 

He  was  engaged  in  the  war  of  1812,  in  the  service  of  his 
country,  acting  as  a  lieutenant  in  Captain  Benjamin  Grave's  com- 
pany of  volunteers  from  the  County  of  Chesterfield.  He  occu- 
pied also  the  position  of  justice  of  the  peace  for  many  years,  and 
it  is  said,  that  no  magistrate  of  Chesterfield  County  performed  a 
larger  amount  of  service.  Under  the  old  constitution  he  filled 
the  office  of  high  sheriff  with  credit  to  himself.  In  these  various 
worldly  relations  an  influence  for  good  was  extensively  wielded. 
All  who  knew  him  exercised  unlimited  confidence  in  his  integrity 
and  faithfulness. 

In  consequence  of  these  various  engagements,  his  ministerial 
character  was  not  fully  developed,  nor  was  he  very  extensively 
known  beyond  the  limits  of  his  county.  It  was  impossible  that 
he  could,  for  any  long  time,  be  absent  from  home.  In  this  respect 
his  whole  life  was  unlike  that  of  his  friend  and  brother,  Elder 
Benjamin  Watkins,  of  the  same  Association.  While  the  one 
passed  among  the  churches  year  after  year,  confirming  the  disci- 
ples and  preaching  the  gospel  of  the  kingdom,  the  other,  with 


LEONARD  NUNNALLY.  81 

perhaps  superior  ability,  was  comparatively  circumscribed  in  his 
ministerial  work. 

In  some  respects  this  was  to  be  deprecated.  Men,  in  abundance 
may  be  found,  to  fill  the  various  worldly  professions  and  employ- 
ments of  life,  while  in  the  ministry  of  reconciliation  comparatively 
few  are  ready  to  consecrate  themselves.  It  may  still  be  said, 
"the  harvest  truly  is  great,  but  the  laborers  are  few."  And  then, 
such  is  the  magnitude  of  the  work  itself,  so  solemn  are  its  respon- 
sibilities, and  so  fearful  its  issues,  that  nothing  less  than  an  all- 
engrossing  employment  of  time  and  talent  would  seem  to  be 
allowable.  What  the  Apostle  enjoined  on  his  son  Timothy,  in 
urging  the  duties  of  the  ministry,  when  he  said  "give  thyself 
wholly  to  them,"  is  binding  on  all  who  enter  upon  this  solemn 
calling.  And  the  reason  assigned  would  seem  to  be  a  sufficient, 
stimulant — "that  thy  profiting  may  appear  to  all." 

Not  that  secular  employments  are  inconsistent  with  the  minis- 
terial work.  Paul  could  engage,  and  did  engage  in  them  ;  work- 
ing with  his  own  hands.  So  did  others  of  the  apostolic  age. 
But  these  secular  labors  were  incidental ;  preaching  the  gospel 
was  their  great  work.  To  supply  their  own  necessities  by  tent- 
making,  or  by  other  lawful  occupations,  was  sometimes  required 
by  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were  placed.  They  had,  how- 
ever, a  noble  work  before  them,  and  they  pressed  on  to  its  accom- 
plishment. It  was  not  theirs  to  allow  any  worldly  considerations 
or  employments  to  interfere  with  the  spread  of  Messiah's  empire 
in  the  world. 

The  inspired  Apostles  uniformly,  and  Christ  himself,  taught 
that  "  no  man  that  warreth  entangleth  himself  with  the  affairs  of 
this  life,  that  he  may  please  him  who  hath  chosen  him  to  be  a 
soldier;"  that  "the  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire;"  that  he  who 
is  taught  in  the  word  is  to  "communicate  to  him  that  teacheth, 
in  all  good  things."  This  is  the  Divine  rule,  throwing  upon  the 
minister  of  the  gospel  a  solemn  responsibility  to  attend  to  his 
work,  and  making  it  the  duty  of  the  church  to  contribute  to  his 
necessities,  not  as  a  charity,  but  a  debt. 

In  all  this,  it  is  not  to  be  understood  that  so  far  as  Elder  Nun- 
nally  suffered  himself  to  be  bound  by  official  relations  to  the 
church,  he  was  not  faithful.  He  seems  to  have  been  the  pastor  of 


82  LEONARD   NUNNALLY. 

Salem  Church,  in  Chesterfield  County,  for  many  years,  and  to 
have  preached  at  other  points.  So  far  as  he  suffered  himself  to  be 
thus  bound  he  was  punctilious  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty.  He 
suffered  no  engagements  to  be  unfulfilled,  and  performed  in  his 
own  neighborhood  a  large  amount  of  unremunerative  service. 
His  zeal  and  energy  in  the  cause  of  his  Master  were  uniform  and 
untiring  to  the  end  of  life. 

Had  Elder  Nunnally  given  himself  wholly  to  the  ministry  in  his 
earlier  entrance  upon  it,  disciplining  his  mind,  and  enlarging  the 
scope  of  his  knowledge  by  regular  reading  and  study,  he  would 
have  been  among  our  most  effective  preachers.  Naturally,  he  was 
gifted  with  the  power  of  discrimination,  and  with  some  of  the 
attributes  of  the  orator.  It  was  the  privilege  of  the  author  of 
this  work  once  to  hear  him,  on  a  communion  occasion.  The 
tragic  scenes  of  the  trial,  and  suffering,  and  death  of  Jesus,  were 
depicted  with  a  naturalness  of  style  and  manner  as  deeply  to 
affect  all  hearts.  We  all  seemed  to  have  been  brought  into  the 
judgment  hall  and  the  Garden  of  Gethseraane,  and,  in  full  view  of 
the  cross,  to  have  heard  the  agonizing  cry  of  the  Son  of  God 
when  he  gave  up  the  ghost. 

He  lived  to  a  serene  old  age,  and  when  he  passed  away,  many 
felt  that  a  good  man  had  departed  from  the  earth.  Within  the 
limits  of  the  Middle  District  Association  he  began  and  had  prose- 
cuted the  ministry  with  diligence,  and  his  influence  had  been  ex- 
tensively exercised  for  good  in  his  own  immediate  neighborhood. 

One  of  the  most  esteemed  ministers  of  the  Association  thus 
writes:  "I  knew  Father  Nunnally  from  my  boyhood  until  the 
time  of  his  death,  having  been  raised  in  the  same  neighborhood 
in  which  he  lived  and  died.  My  father  and  mother  were  members 
of  Salem  Church,  of  which  he  was  pastor  ;  but  I  knew  him  more 
intimately  in  and  after  1831,  when  I  professed  religion  and  joined 
the  same  church.  He  was  my  pastor.  When  I  went  forward  to 
join  the  church  he  rejoiced,  and  exclaimed  aloud,  'That  he  had 
been  for  many  years  praying  for  help,  and  that  he  verily  believed 
the  Lord  had  answered  his  prayer  and  sent  me  as  a  help.' 

"He  was  a  plain  man,  without  pretensions,  of  limited  educa- 
tion ;  but,  I  believe,  a  true  gospel  minister.  He  was  very  punc- 
tual in  filling  his  appointments,  attended  his  church  meetings 


JOHN  ANTHONY.  83 

regularly,  and  was  a  good  disciplinarian,  and  was  remarkable  for 
his  indomitable  zeal  in  the  cause  he  had  espoused ;  made  greater 
sacrifices  perhaps  than  many  of  us  are  now  willing  to  make, 
preached  the  gospel  freely  without  charge,  traveled  through  his 
neighborhood  for  a  number  of  years,  preaching  funerals,  attend- 
ing and  officiating  in  the  celebration  of  the  rites  of  matrimony, 
and  attending  to  all  the  demands  made  upon  him,  with  a  degree 
of  punctuality  not  often  surpassed." 

This  reference  to  Elder  Nunnally  reminds  us  of  the  rapidity 
with  which  the  fathers  in  the  ministry  are  passing  away.  Few, 
if  one,  can  now  be  found,  who  preached  the  gospel  when  the  pre- 
sent century  commenced.  And  it  becomes  deeply  affecting  to 
know,  that  we  who  a  little  while  ago  were  the  young  men,  sitting 
at  the  feet  of  our  seniors,  are  beginning  to  be  the  old  men.  Soon 
we  too  shall  pass  away.  May  God  raise  up  a  holier,  more  intelli- 
gent, more  effective  ministry,  to  fill  our  places  when  we  are  gone ! 


JOHN    ANTHONY. 

ELDER  JOHN  ANTHONY  was  one  of  the  earliest,  and  most  de- 
voted of  the  Virginia  Baptist  ministry.  His  birth  occurred  in 
1746.  In  his  thirtieth  year  he  entered  the  ministry,  though  it 
would  seem  from  information  received,  that  he  had  previously 
been  several  years  connected  with  the  church.  His  ministry  was 
mainly  confined  to  Bedford  County.  Here  he  was  laboriously 
and  successfully  employed.  The  Strawberry  Association  felt  the 
weight  of  his  influence.  When  the  church  called  Otter  was 
brought  into  existence,  he  became  its  pastor,  and  retained  that 
position  until  just  before  his  death. 

In  the  latter  part  of  his  life,  in  consequence  of  infirmity,  he 
exercised  but  little  influence  beyond  his  own  neighborhood. 
Elder  Semple  speaks  of  him  in  1809  as  being  not  weary  in  well 
doing,  but  desirous  of  keeping  his  own  vineyard  well  dressed. 

During  the  year  1822,  he  suffered  much  of  the  disease  which 


84  JAMES   G.  JEFFRIES. 

caused  his  death.  His  affliction  was  borne  with  calmness  and 
Christian  resignation,  and  on  the  sixth  of  September  his  Divine 
Master  called  him  home.  At  the  next  meeting  of  the  Strawberry 
Association,  a  resolution  was  passed,  noticing  his  memory  in 
respectful  terms.  They  refer  to  him  as  "  a  faithful,  laborious, 
and  useful  servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  an  able  minister  of  the 
New  Testament."  When  he  died  he  was  in  his  seventy-sixth  year. 


JAMES    GK  JEFFRIES. 

THE  subject  of  this  memoir,  JAMES  G.  JEFFRIES,  was  called  to 
give  an  account  of  his  stewardship  before  he  had  reached  the 
meridian  of  his  days.  He  was  cut  down  in  the  midst  of  his  use- 
fulness. A  short  account  of  his  life  and  dying  exercises  will  not 
be  uninteresting. 

He  was  born  of  respectable  parents  in  the  County  of  Lunenburg, 
Virginia.  Being  both  members  of  the  church  of  Christ,  they  strove 
to  bring  up  their  children  in  the  fear  and  admonition  of  the  Lord. 
These  efforts  were  not  in  vain ;  for  in  early  life  their  son  James 
manifested  much  serious  concern  for  the  salvation  of  his  soul. 
He  was  often  deeply  affected  with  a  recollection  of  death  and  a 
fear  of  the  displeasure  of  God.  These  exercises  were,  however, 
interrupted  by  seasons  of  gayety,  in  which  he  would  seem  to  for- 
get the  wretchedness  of  his  case  and  his  exposure  to  the  curse  of 
the  law.  Allured  by  those  temptations  which  so  often  beguile 
the  unwary  youth,  he  would  engage  in  the  pleasurable  amusements 
of  his  day  with  seeming  enjoyment;  though,  even  then,  his  mind 
was  the  seat  of  anxiety  and  perturbation.  After  many  changes 
from  temporary  inquietude  to  carelessness  of  spirit,  it  pleased  the 
Lord,  whose  mercy  is  higher  than  the  heavens,  to  affect  his  mind 
habitually  with  a  sense  of  his  lost  condition,  and  to  introduce  him 
into  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  He  made  a  public  and  good  profes- 
sion before  many  witnesses;  and,  on  being  immersed,  became 
connected  with  Tusekiah  Church,  in  the  County  of  Lunenburg, 
on  the  13th  of  September,  1816. 


JAMES  G.  JEFFRIES.  85 

He  soon  evinced  a  strong  concern  for  the  salvation  of  sinners 
by  exhorting  them  to  flee  the  wrath  to  come ;  from  this  period  he 
became  an  active  and  laborious  servant  of  Christ  in  dispensing 
his  word  for  the  instruction  and  sanctification  of  his  fellow- 
men.  He  traveled  extensively  in  the  counties  lying  between  the 
Roauoke  River  and  Petersburg,  supplying,  as  often  as  he  could, 
the  destitute  churches  at  Cutbanks,  Reedy  Creek,  Cedar  Creek, 
and  Flat  Rock,  which  lie  in  the  lower  part  of  the  Meherrin  Asso- 
ciation. His  preaching,  too,  was  not  in  vain;  it  was  in  the 
power  and  demonstration  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  often,  when  expa- 
tiating on  the  love  of  Christ  to  a  dying  world,  his  countenance 
would  assume  an  almost  heavenly  appearance ;  and  his  sentences, 
rich  and  chaste,  would  roll  from  his  lips  with  melting  power  upon 
his  audience. 

His  manner  in  the  pulpit  was  exceedingly  interesting;  perhaps 
no  man  was  better  able  than  he  to  chain  the  attention  of  those 
whom  he  addressed.  His  appearance  was  dignified  and  graceful; 
his  style  easy  and  flowing;  and  his  face  seemed  always  to  be 
lighted  up  with  benevolence.  But  what  rendered  him  particularly 
an  object  worthy  of  regard  and  imitation  was  his  spirituality  of 
mind  and  devotion  to  the  cause  of  God.  He  seemed,  when 
he  arose  to  preach,  to  have  been  casting  his  eye  over  the  desola- 
lations  which  sin  had  introduced,  and,  overpowered  with  holy 
compassion,  to  have  been  weeping  between  the  porch  and  the 
altar.  While  he  looked  over  the  miseries  of  a  world  lying  in 
wickedness,  he  took  care  to  present  no  other  way  of  escape  but 
Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified.  He  was  eminently  an  evangelic 
teacher,  insisting,  among  professors,  on  the  necessity  of  holy  lives 
as  evidences  of  living  faith.  In  the  social  circle  he  was  no  less 
interesting.  From  his  childhood  he  was  distinguished  for  tender- 
ness of  soul  and  affability  of  manners,  and  consequently  won  the 
esteem  of  all  who  knew  him. 

It  is  not  to  be  wondered  that  such  a  man  should  be  admired 
and  beloved.  But  it  pleased  the  Father  of  mercies  to  afflict  the 
church  below  in  his  removal  to  the  church  triumphant  above. 
Carnal  reason  cannot  penetrate  the  cloud  which  overhangs  this 
dispensation ;  but  it  should  be  ours  to  bow  with  adoring  humility, 
and,  in  the  language  of  the  Apostle,  to  say,  "  Oh  1  the  depth  of 

VOL.  n. — F 


86  JAMES   G.  JEFFRIES. 

the  riches,  both  of  the  wisdom  and  knowledge  of  God;  ho\v  un- 
searchable are  his  judgments,  and  his  ways  past  finding  out !"  The 
agony  of  this  affliction  is  much  mitigated  in  a  recollection  of  the 
transport  and  resignation  with  which  he  left  the  world.  Some 
of  the  circumstances  of  his  last  illness  and  death  have  been  culled 
from  a  letter  written  by  a  friend  a  few  days  after  he  expired. 

For  some  time  previous  to  his  death,  which  was  in  the  year 
1821,  he  was  afflicted  with  a  pain  in  his  chest,  which  was  fre- 
quently attended  with  spitting  of  blood.  In  consequence  of  this 
weakness,  his  friends  often  endeavored  to  prevail  on  him  to  de- 
sist from  speaking  in  public,  until  his  health  should  be  established. 
His  zeal,  however,  for  the  promotion  of  his  Master's  cause,  was 
so  great  that  he  was  deaf  to  all  their  remonstrances,  counting  not 
his  life  dear  unto  him,  that  he  might  win  souls  to  Christ.  The 
last  sermon,  except  one,  he  was  enabled  to  preach,  was  delivered 
in  the  most  zealous  and  pathetic  manner,  although  at  the  time  he 
labored  under  considerable  indisposition  of  body.  He  observed 
to  the  congregation,  that  in  consequence  of  the  weakness  in  his 
chest  he  felt  himself  unable  to  address  them ;  but  when  he  looked 
around,  and  saw  many  of  his  dear  friends  in  their  sins,  he  could 
not  forbear ;  and  went  on  to  preach  a  lengthy  discourse.  About 
thirteen  days  before  his  death  he  preached  his  last  sermon  at 
Bethel  Meeting-house,  Mecklenburg  County,  Virginia,  from  Isaiah, 
xxviii.  16 :  "Therefore,  thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  behold  I  lay  in 
Zion  for  a  foundation  stone,  a  tried  stone,  a  precious  corner-stone ; 
he  that  believeth  shall  not  make  haste."  This  discourse  will  never 
be  forgotten  by  many  who  heard  him.  With  uncommon  earnestness 
and  animation  he  exhibited  the  safety  of  those  who  build  their 
hopes  on  Christ ;  and  the  wretchedness  of  the  impenitent  and  un- 
believing. Although  he  was  indisposed  at  this  time,  his  friends 
at  that  place  little  expected  they  should  see  his  face  no  more  on 
earth.  A  few  days  after,  he  attended  a  church-meeting  at  Laurel, 
Lunenburg  County,  Virginia,  when  he  gave  a  short  but  compre- 
hensive exhortation  to  his  brethren,  on  the  subject  of  church  dis- 
cipline :  he  besought  them  to  attend  church-meetings,  and  not  to 
let  the  cares  of  the  world  keep  them  at  home. 

It  commenced  raining  before  the  meeting  was  dismissed,  and, 
getting  wet,  he  was  sick  that  night,  and  confined  to  his  room 


JAMES  G.  JEFFRIES.  87 

nearly  all  the  next  day.  Being  with  his  aunt,  he  observed,  he 
thought  he  was  to  be  greatly  afflicted  in  some  way,  but  added, 
"it  is  all  for  the  best,"  quoting  the  language  of  David:  "before 
I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray,  but  now  have  I  kept  thy  word." 
Having  arrived  at  one  of  his  uncles,  he  was  taken  much  worse  on 
Tuesday,  and  a  physician  was  called. 

On  Friday  the  symptoms  of  his  disease  became  much  more 
alarming,  so  that  his  friends  began  to  fear  he  would  not  recover. 
From  this  time  until  Lord's  day  he  continued  to  grow  worse, 
but  his  soul  was  on  the  Mount  in  full  prospect  of  a  rest  from  all 
his  labors.  For  two  or  three  days  he  conversed  much  with  those 
who  visited  him,  and  exhorted  them  according  to  their  circum- 
stances. On  the  day  he  died  he  called  his  brother  Thomas,  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  and  in  the  most  affectionate  manner  ex- 
horted him  to  be  faithful  to  his  trust  in  proclaiming  the  way  of 
salvation ;  he  then  embraced  every  person  in  the  room,  both  black 
and  white,  and  said :  "  It  is  strange  that  the  Lord  has  strengthened 
me  to  talk  so  much  ;  do  I  talk  plainly  ?"  His  aunt  told  him  he  did. 
"I  am  glad  of  it,"  said  he,  "for  I  wish  you  to  understand  me,  and 
to  see  that  I  am  not  delirious  nor  deceived  in  this  trying  time." 

After  he  had  embraced  every  person  in  the  room,  he  said: 
"  Farewell  vain  world !  farewell  sin  !  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ? 
boasting  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  This  evening  I  shall  join 
the  angejs  in  a  song  of  everlasting  praise."  The  physician  then 
gave  him  some  wine  and  water,  of  which  he  drank  a  little,  and 
said:  "Take  it  away;  I  shall  drink  no  more  of  it,  until  I  drink  it 
fresh  in  my  Father's  kingdom."  Nature  then  was  so  exhausted 
that  he  appeared  to  be  fast  sinking  in  the  cold  embrace  of  death. 
About  this  time  his  father  came  in;  his  aunt  asked  him  if  he 
knew  his  father?  "Oh  yes,"  said  he,  "I  know  him."  "How  are 
you,  my  son  ?"  said  his  father.  He  replied,  with  a  feeble  voice, 
"Father,  I  am  yet  alive."  His  father  then  asked  him  if  he  had 
still  an  assurance  of  Divine  favor.  "Oh  bless  the  Lord!"  he 
replied,  with  stronger  emphasis  than  before.  After  a  few  moments 
he  seemed  to  revive,  and,  turning  over,  with  a  smiling  countenance, 
said :  "  Come,  Immanuel,  come  !  come,  Immanuel,  come  !"  He 
spoke  several  times  to  those  around  him  after  this,  though  quite 
indistinctly ;  and  about  one  o'clock  on  Lord's  day,  the  ninth  of 


88  GEORGE   H.  RAYNOLDS. 

September,  he  bid  a  final  adieu  to  this  world,  and  entered  upon  the 
enjoyment  of  an  eternal  Sabbath  at  the  right  hand  of  God. 

Although  some  time  has  elapsed  since  this  afflicting  event  took 
place,  he  still  lives  in  the  memories  and  affections  of  hundreds ;  and 
eternity  alone  will  disclose  the  amount  of  good  accomplished 
through  his  instrumentality.  May  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  be 
abundantly  supplied  with  workmen  like  him,  and  may  the  earth 
speedily  be  converted  to  God. 


GEORGE    H.  RAYNOLDS.* 

THE  subject  of  this  notice  was  born  October  27th,  1801,  near 
Front  Royal,  Frederick  County,  Virginia.  He  was  the  only  child 
of  his  parents,  whose  blind  indulgence  gratified  every  desire  and 
left  him  without  restraint,  either  moral  or  religious.  The  grace 
of  God  is,  therefore,  signally  displayed  in  his  very  early  conver- 
sion and  call  to  the  ministry.  It  was  his  father's  design  to 
educate  him  for  the  medical  profession,  and  he  spared  no  pains  to 
give  his  son  such  advantages  as  would  fit  him  for  distinction.  He 
was  accordingly,  when  quite  young,  placed  at  a  classical  academy 
in  the  town  of  Winchester,  and  there  engaged  in  the  studies 
necessary  to  prepare  him  for  entering  a  collegiate  course.  While 
at  Winchester,  he  attended  the  preaching  of  Elder  George  C. 
Sedwick,  and,  through  his  instrumentality,  was  brought  to  dis- 
cover his  lost  state  as  a  sinner ;  was  led  to  submit  his  soul  to 
Christ ;  and,  being  desirous  to  obey  all  God's  precepts,  he  was,  in 
conformity  to  his  command,  "buried  with  Christ  by  baptism,"  on 
Ihe  29th  of  July,  1819,  when  about  eighteen  years  of  age.  The 
heart  of  this  youth  now  burned  with  anxiety  to  recommend  to 
perishing  sinners  the  Saviour  whom  he  loved,  and  he  became 
solemnly  impressed  with  the  duty  of  preaching  the  gospel.  His 
father,  though  opposed  to  religion  in  general,  and  particularly  to 

*  Abridged  from  a  manuscript  furnished  by  Elder  Joseph  Baker. 


GEORGE   H.  RAYNOLDS.  89 

his  son's  profession  of  it,  was  yet  a  friend  to  education,  and  seeing 
his  resolute  determination  to  devote  himself  to  the  ministry,  was 
induced  to  comply  with  his  desire,  and  allow  him  an  opportunity 
of  making  the  best  theological  attainments  in  his  power.  He 
was,  therefore,  placed  at  the  theological  school  in  Philadelphia, 
taught  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Staughton,  who  subsequently  expressed 
the  opinion  that  this  young  man  possessed  a  sprightly  mind  with 
much  practical  genius.  His  attainments  in  general  literature  were 
highly  respectable,  and  his  talents,  as  a  public  speaker,  of  that 
order  which  rendered  him  acceptable  to  the  church,  and  popular 
generally.  He  was  married  to  Miss  F.  C.  Williams,  September 
27th,  1821,  and  was  ordained  October  12th,  1822.  He  was  soon 
after  appointed  principal  of  the  academy  at  Berrysville,  Frederick 
County,  which  office  he  held  until  the  time  of  his  death.  He 
labored  as  a  minister  with  Buck  Marsh  Church,  near  Berrysville, 
over  which  he  was  pastor,  in  conjunction  with  Dr.  J.  Monroe. 
Thus  was  an  inviting  field  of  usefulness  presented  to  this  youth- 
ful servant  of  the  Lord,  with  the  brightest  hopes  of  success ;  but 
the  Lord,  "who  sees  not  as  man  sees,"  was  pleased  to  blight 
these  fair  prospects  and  suddenly  to  lay  his  instrument  aside.  In 
the  fall  of  1824,  a  bilious  disease  attacked  him,  and  terminated 
his  earthly  career  on  the  24th  of  September,  in  the  twenty-third 
year  of  his  age.  His  sufferings  were  borne  with  patience  and  re- 
signation, and  his  death  was  that  of  the  righteous,  calm  and 
happy.  It  is  necessary  to  state,  in  relation  to  the  ministi'y  of 
Elder  Raynolds.  that  he  ever  warmly  and  decidedly  advocated  all 
the  benevolent  operations  of  the  day,  notwithstanding  the  strong 
opposition  of  many  around  him ;  and,  had  his  life  been  prolonged, 
the  church  would,  no  doubt,  have  derived  from  him  most  efficient 
aid  in  every  enterprise  undertaken  for  the  advancement  of  God's 
glory  and  the  diffusion  of  truth. 


90  THOMAS   CONDUIT. 


THOMAS    CONDUIT. 

THE  modest,  unpretending  goodness  of  this  young  servant  of 
the  Redeemer  was  such,  that  an  intimate  acquaintance  was  neces- 
sary to  be  prepared  to  appreciate  his  real  worth.  Some  time 
about  the  year  1831  he  became  a  follower  of  Christ  by  uniting 
with  the  Enon  Baptist  Church,  in  Caroline  County,  under  the 
care  of  Elder  Micon.  For  many  months  he  was  anxiously  asking, 
in  reference  to  the  ministry,  "Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to 
do?"  and,  having  become  satisfied  that  it  was  bis  duty  to  preach 
the  gospel,  he  connected  himself  with  the  Rappahannock  Academy 
for  the  better  cultivation  of  his  intellectual  powers. 

At  this  institution  he  remained  for  some  time,  and  then  begau, 
in  public,  to  recommend  a  crucified  Redeemer.  The  finger  of 
Providence  pointed  him  to  a  destitute  region  in  Charles  and 
St.  Mary's  Counties,  Maryland.  Two  churches,  originated  mostly 
by  the  labors  of  Samuel  L.  Straughan,  principally  engaged  his 
attention,  and  during  his  short  stay  among  them  his  labors  were 
blessed  in  a  remarkable  degree.  Many  were  added  to  the 
churches.  He,  however,  considered  it  his  duty  to  visit  the  South, 
and  knew  not  but  he  might  there  permanently  locate  himself. 
But  God  had  determined  he  should  return  to  his  brethren  in 
Maryland,  not  indeed  to  remain,  but  to  greet  them,  and  then  to 
take  his  transit  to  a  better  world.  His  return  and  the  circum- 
stances of  his  death  are  here  referred  to  by  a  ministering  brother ; 
and  with  this  allusion'we  shall  close  the  sketch.  He  died  Sep- 
tember 12th,  1836. 

"To  improve  his  health,  and  for  other  purposes,  he  had  re- 
moved to  the  South.  While  there,  reflecting  on  the  destitute 
situation  in  which  he  had  left  his  people,  he  became  convinced 
that  it  was  his  duty  to  return,  and  immediately  did  so.  The 
writer  was  present  when  they  met,  and  never  did  he  see  people 
apparently  more  overjoyed ;  some  smiling,  others  weeping,  and 
all  appeared  to  say,  'it  is  enough,'  etc.  He  had  remained  with 
them  but  a  few  weeks  when  the  Dover  Association,  commencing  its 
annual  session,  he  determined  to  visit  it  and  endeavor  to  excite 


JOHN   CLAY.  01 

the  sympathies  of  the  ministering  brethren  in  behalf  of  that  des- 
titute people.  He  accordingly  attended  the  Association,  delivered 
an  address,  and  succeeded  in  enlisting  some  eight  or  ten  of  the 
brethren,  who  agreed  to  go  over  statedly  and  preach  for  them. 
And  now  he  is  returning  homeward,  thankful  to  God  for  the 
success  which  he  has  met,  and  delighted  with  the  prospect  of 
bearing  the  pleasing  intelligence  to  his  people.  But  oh!  how  true, 
that  even  "in  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death  !"  Having  spent 
some  little  time  in  Caroline  with  his  relatives  and  friends,  and  started 
on  his  return  to  his  beloved  people  in  Maryland,  he  had  gone  but 
a  little  distance  before  disease  began  its  ravages,  and  he  found 
that  he  could  not  travel.  He  put  up  at  the  house  of  Sister  Lucy 
Gravatt,  of  Portroyal.  A  physician  was  called  in,  and  every  aid 
afforded ;  but  death  was  not  to  be  diverted  from  his  purpose. 
God  saw  best  to  take  him  away;  and  I  have  every  reason  to 
believe  he  is  gone  to  a  better  world.  He  lived  but  a  few  days 
after  his  attack. 


JOHN    CLAY. 

THE  father  of  Henry  Clay,  the  distinguished  statesman.  He 
was  a  native  of  Lower  Virginia,  and  resided  the  most  of  his  life 
in  what  are  known  as  the  Slashes  of  Hanover  County.  He  pur- 
sued the  employment  of  farming  on  a  small  estate,  about  two 
miles  distant  from  the  new  and  beautiful  village  of  Ashland,  and 
about  sixteen  miles  north  of  the  City  of  Richmond.  The  distant 
period  of  his  death  renders  it  difficult  to  collect  the  facts  relating 
to  his  history.  One  aged  man  now  alone  remains  who  remembers 
him  as  a  man  and  minister.  He  is  now  approaching  his  four- 
score and  ten  years,  and  he  can  only  recollect  having  heard  Mr. 
Clay  preach,  when  he  was  quite  a  child. 

Mr.  Clay  probably  professed  religion  about  the  year  1776,  and 
at  once  entered  the  ministry ;  preaching  for  Chickahominy  Church, 
of  which  he  was  for  several  years  pastor.  He  extended  his  labors 
to  other  portions  of  Hanover  County  and  in  the  surrounding 


92  SAMUEL   BRAME. 

counties,  but  seems  not  to  have  traveled  extensively  beyond  these 
limits.  Semple  represents  Black  Creek  Church  in  Hanover  to 
have  originated  through  his  instrumentality. 

His  talents  were  of  the  plain  order,  though  under  other  circum- 
stances he  might  have  reached  more  notoriety.  He  was  faithful, 
beloved,  and  useful. 

He  died  about  the  year  1783.  His  son,  Henry  Clay,  was  then 
a  child  but  a  few  years  old.  Another  son,  Porter  Clay,  became 
a  distinguished  Baptist  minister  in  Kentucky. 

The  dwelling  of  Elder  Clay,  and  in  which  Henry,  his  son,  was 
born,  still  remains,  and  is  much  visited  by  the  admirers  of  the 
great  American  orator.  It  is  situated  a  short  distance  from  the 
railroad,  between  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg.  It  was  little 
surmised  by  this  humble  man,  that  his  son  would  arrive  at  a  dis- 
tinction almost  unrivaled  as  a  scholar  and  statesman.  Cowper 
could  sing 

"  My  boast  is  not  that  I  deduce  my  birth 
From  loins  enthroned,  and  rulers  of  the  earth  ; 
But  higher  far  my  proud  pretensions  rise — 
The  son  of  parents  passed  into  the  skies." 

So,  doubtless  now,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  rejoices  not  that 
one  descended  from  him  reached  such  an  eminence  of  earthly  glory 
as  to  attract  the  gaze  of  admiring  millions,  but  that  he  himself 
was  permitted  to  labor,  and  suffer,  and  reign  with  his  Divine  Re- 
deemer. 


SAMUEL    BRAME. 


IT  is  often  the  privilege  of  the  biographer  to  trace  the  con- 
nection between  early  training  and  the  manifestation  of  Divine 
mercy.  When  the  pious,  by  early  instruction  and  consistent 
example,  aim  to  bring  up  their  children  in  the  fear  and  admoni- 
tion of  the  Lord,  accompanying  their  influence  with  constant, 
believing  prayer,  can  they  not  rightfully  anticipate  the  blessing 


SAMUEL   BRAME.  93 

of  God  unto  salvation  ?  The  Baptists  believe  in  the  dedication 
of  children  to  the  Lord  in  this  way. 

Such  a  train  of  remark  fitly  introduces  the  brief  memoir  of 
SAMUEL  BRAME.  He  was  a  native  of  Caroline  County,  and  was 
born  somewhere  about  the  year  1780.  His  mother  was  an  emi- 
nently godly  woman,  at  one  time  of  the  Presbyterian  persuasion. 
She  had  been  a  member  of  the  society  under  the  care  of  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Davis,  and  one  of  his  constant  hearers.  When  White- 
field,  in  his  wonderful  might  as  a  preacher  of  righteousness,  passed 
through  the  United  States,  it  was  her  privilege  often  to  listen  to 
his  eloquent  appeals.  Under  his  ministration  she  became  a  be- 
liever, and  attached  herself  to  the  Pedobaptists ;  but,  subsequently, 
upon  a  survey  of  the  question  of  believers'  baptism,  joined  the 
Baptists. 

As  the  result  of  her  pious  instructions  and  example,  her 
children,  in  early  life,  indicated  concern  on  religious  subjects. 
Two  of  them  afterwards  became  preachers.  One  of  the  sons  was 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  became  interested  under  the 
preaching  of  John  Leland.  After  his  conversion,  .when  quite 
young,  he  began  to  call  upon  others  to  repent.  His  superior 
talents  and  earnest  zeal  soon  excited  much  attention.  We  have 
heard  the  more  aged  of  our  brethren,  who  were  familiar  with  his 
history,  testify  to  the  glowing  ardor  with  which  he  portrayed  a 
Saviour's  love,  and  commended  the  ways  of  righteousness.  After 
laboring  for  a  season  in  his  own  county,  he  removed  to  Halifax 
County,  where  he  married. 

In  his  new  location,  he  was  still  the  talented,  earnest,  laborious 
preacher  of  the  gospel.  The  church  at  Millstone,  belonging  to 
the  Roanoke  Association,  soon  called  him  to  officiate  as  her  pas- 
tor. In  her  service  he  continued  but  a  short  time,  when  he  was 
called  up  to  the  higher  employments  of  the  heavenly  world.  It 
was  a  painful  event  to  the  church,  and  to  the  many  who  had 
begun  to  hope  much  from  his  influence.  But  God  is  all-wise.  He 
saw  that  it  was  better  to  remove  his  young  servant,  perhaps  from 
the  evil  to  come. 

Mr.  Semple  thus  refers  to  him :  "  He  was  a  great  preacher, 
and  bade  fair  to  be  much  greater ;  but  for  reasons  best  known  to 


94  PHILEMON    HURT. 

himself,  his  Maker  called  him  to  the  heavenly  rest  when  quite 
young.  How  unsearchable  are  the  ways  of  God !  He  was  a 
brother  to  William  Brame,  mentioned  in  our  account  of  the 
church  in  the  City  of  Richmond. 


PHILEMON  HUET. 

PHILEMON  HURT,  one  of  the  most  approved  and  useful  preachers 
of  the  Roanoke  Association,  was  a  native  of  Caroline  County, 
Virginia.  He  was  born  October  6th,  1758.  When  he  was  quite 
a  youth;  his  father  removed  to  Bedford  County.  As  early  as  his 
eighteenth  year  he  entered  the  army,  participating  in  many  of  the 
stirring  scenes  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  engaged  in  several  of 
the  battles  at  the  North,  and  won  the  praise  of  his  superiors  and 
fellow-soldiers,  as  a  brave  man.  Having  passed  through  his  term 
of  service,  he  again  volunteered,  and  took  a  part  in  the  eventful 
conflict  at  Guilford,  North  Carolina.  During  all  this  time  he  was 
an  enemy  of  God.  The  wonderful  escapes  through  which  he 
passed,  amid  the  desolation  of  war,  seem  not  to  have  specially 
affected  his  mind. 

At  the  close  of -the  war  he  settled  in  Halifax  County,  but  still 
remained  a  stranger  to  the  renewing  grace  of  God,  until  about  his 
thirtieth  year.  He  was  then  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  salvation. 
We  may  well  understand  how  strongly  his  mind  became  interested 
in  the  glory  of  that  Saviour  in  whom  he  trusted.  Old  things  now 
passed  away,  and  all  things  became  new.  The  characteristic 
energy  he  had  evinced  in  his  country's  cause  was  now  brought 
into  requisition  in  fighting  the  battles  of  the  Lord.  He  soon  en- 
tered the  ministry.  In  1793  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of 
Catawba  Church,  Halifax  County.  Whether  he  was  permanently 
the  pastor  of  any  other  church  cannot  be  distinctly  stated,  but  in 
connection  with  the  above-named  body  he  was  a  laborious,  active 
minister  for  more  than  thirty  years.  In  the  language  of  another, 
"  he  enlisted  for  the  whole  war ;  his  motto  was, '  victory  or  death ;' 
• 


PHILEMON   HURT.  95 

his  sword  was  not  permitted  to  rust  in  its  scabbard,  his  martial 
dress  was  not  dishonored." 

Having  engaged  in  the  responsible  work  of  instructing  others, 
he  found  a  new  excitement  to  his  natural  thirst  for  knowledge. 
His  sense  of  responsibility  would  not  allow  him  to  be  a  blind 
leader  of  the  blind,  but,  in  the  words  of  the  Apostle,  he  deter- 
mined to  "give  attention  to  leading."  A  judicious  selection  of 
books  was  obtained,  and,  with  the  great  text-book  of  the  theolo- 
gical student  constantly  before  him,  he  made  himself  "a  scribe  well 
instructed."  Nor  was  he  satisfied  with  biblical  learning  alone. 
The  ample  stores  of  knowledge  within  his  reach  were  not  disre- 
garded. From  these  he  drew,  and  they  enriched  his  mind,  pre- 
paring him  the  better  to  defend  and  enforce  the  truth.  It  is  said 
that  he  became  an  instructive  and  energetic  preacher,  present- 
ing his  thoughts  in  language  perspicuous  and  impressive.  His 
regular  congregations  were  well  taught  in  spiritual  things,  for  as 
a  householder,  faithful  in  his  vocation,  he  constantly  prepared  and 
brought  forth  out  of  his  treasure  things  new  and  old. 

As  an  evidence  of  the  strength  of  his  influence,  it  may  be  stated 
that  the  church  he  served  for  so  many  years  was  regarded  as  one 
of  the  most  effective  of  the  Roanoke  Association.  Semple  says : 
"  Catawba  Church  has  been  a  flourishing  church  from  the  begin- 
ning. They  have  generally  had  among  them  several  private 
members  of  intelligence,  piety,  and  prudence,  that  were  rich  in  this 
world,  and  willing  to  communicate.  Hence  they  have  so  fre- 
quently had  the  Association  at  their  meeting-house.  Mr.  Phile- 
mon Hurt,  their  pastor,  is  a  sensible,  sound,  and  solemn  preacher; 
a  friend  to  discipline  and  order ;  and  has  done  much  good  in  his 
day  and  generation." 

In  many  respects  Mr.  Hurt  was  much  favored.  He  enjoyed  a 
large  competency  in  respect  to  the  things  of  this  world.  He  saw, 
too,  his  children  all  coming  into  the  enjoyment  of  the  Christian 
hope.  One  of  them  became  an  intelligent  minister  of  the  gospel. 
His  eldest  son,  Robert  Hurt,  was  often  permitted,  in  the  same 
pulpit  with  his  aged  father,  to  preach  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of 
God.  This  our  venerable  brother  regarded  as  the  richest  of  all 
blessings. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  did  not,  however,  find  his  pathway  in 


96  PHILEMON    HURT. 

life  unstrewed  with  thorns.  He  knew  what  it  was  to  suffer  trials. 
The  sorest  of  these  was  the  death  of  her  who  had  been  the  mother 
of  his  children,  and  a  sharer  with  him  in  the  toils  and  cares  of  his 
pilgrimage.  This  event  seemed  to  have  been  a  sanctified  one. 
It  served  much  to  wean  him  from  this  world.  More  than  ever 
before,  his  time  and  talents  were  given  to  the  ministry.  He 
divided  his  property  among  his  children.  The  cares  of  life  were 
surrendered.  How  he  might  serve  his  generation  became  now  his 
chief  concern.  Even  to  old  age  he  persisted  in  his  loved  work. 
When,  in  consequence  of  infirmity,  he  could  not  stand  in  the  pul- 
pit, as  is  said  of  the  venerable  Apostle  John,  in  a  sitting  posture 
he  would  preach,  and  sometimes  with  an  unwonted  animation  and 
power.  His  ripened  mind  exerted  itself  to  impress  truth  upon  the 
generation  he  was  soon  to  leave  behind  him.  He  had  been  a  close 
observer  of  the  human  heart ;  he  knew  somewhat  the  windings  of 
deceit  and  depravity  there  to  be  found,  and  he  availed  himself  of 
this  experience  and  knowledge  to  warn  and  fortify  others  against 
the  seductive  influences  ever  at  hand  to  betray  and  destroy. 

His  youngest  son  being  about  to  remove  to  the  Western  country, 
he  determined  to  leave  his  native  State  in  his  old  age.  Accord- 
ingly, in  the  year  1827,  he  migrated  to  Carrol  County,  Tennessee. 
He  still  engaged  in  his  chosen  and  loved  work  as  long  as  his 
strength  would  permit.  Many  in  his  new-found  home  heard  from 
his  lips  those  messages  of  love  which,  in  the  beloved  Old  Do- 
minion, he  had  for  so  many  years  been  accustomed  to  deliver. 

The  time  of  his  dismissal  from  the  militant  state  at  length  came. 
It  came  not  to  him  unexpectedly.  He  had  been  waiting  and  look- 
ing for  his  discharge.  On  the  19th  of  January  his  Divine 
Master  called  him  up  to  the  honors  and  rewards  of  an  immortal 
state.  The  physician  who  was  with  him  in  his  last  sickness 
remarked :  "  His  resignation  and  composure  in  the  hour  of  death 
were  as  perfect  as  could  proceed  from  the  united  influence  of 
religion  and  philosophy.  In  every  conversation  which  I  had  with 
him,  he  talked  freely  of  his  approaching  end,  seemed  conscious  that 
it  was  near  at  hand,  did  not  dread  it,  and  frequently  observed, 
that  to  die  was  all  he  had  to  do  this  side  the  grave,  and  that  it 
mattered  not  how  soon." 

Thus  lived  and  died  this  standard-bearer  among  the  hosts  of 


JAMES    CLOPTON.  97 

Zion.  The  design  of  this  sketch  has  not  been  to  present  a  var- 
nished exhibit  of  the  character  of  the  lamented  Hurt.  If  we  were 
to  attempt  this,  or  to  represent  him  as  without  failings,  could  he 
address  us,  we  should  hear  his  stern  rebuke,  warning  us  to  hold 
him  up  as  worthy  of  imitation  only  as  he  followed  Christ. 


JAMES    CLOPTON. 

THIS  excellent  man  deserves  a  place  in  this  collection  of  memoirs, 
as  one  who  conscientiously  and  laboriously  consecrated  himself  to 
the  service  of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  ministry  of  reconciliation.  In 
his  history  appeared  the  happy  effects  of  paternal  influence  when 
directed  in  the  way  of  righteousness.  His  father,  Elder  William 
Clopton,  a  faithful  preacher  of  the  gospel,  and  his  mother,  Eliza- 
beth, were  alike  intent  on  bringing  up  their  children  in  the  fear 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  JAMES,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
was  one  of  several  children,  and  was  born  in  the  County  of  New 
Kent,  January  5th,  1782. 

The  time  of  his  conversion  is  not  known,  or  of  his  connection 
with  the  church.  Nor  have  facts  been  brought  to  the  notice  of 
the  writer  respecting  the  circumstances  and  period  of  his  entrance 
into  the  ministry.  It  is  certain  that,  for  many  years,  he  filled  well 
this  solemn  office.  The  sphere  in  which  he  moved  was  not  large ; 
but  this  he  occupied  to  the  honor  of  his  Master.  He  principally 
labored  in  New  Kent  and  Charles  City  Counties,  but  frequently 
made  tours  in  the  lower  counties,  between  York  and  James 
Rivers.  For  the  church  at  Emmaus  he  maintained  the  position 
of  a  pastor,  respected  and  beloved  by  all.  This  church  being  near 
his  residence  received  the  largest  share  of  his  attention,  and  grew 
up  to  be  one  of  the  most  important  bodies  connected  with  the 
Dover  Association.  He  was  also,  at  different  times,  the  pastor 
of  Mount  Pleasant  and  James  City  Churches.  In  these,  God 
blessed  his  labors  abundantly. 

Somewhere  about  the  year  180t,  he  married  Miss  Martha  Win- 

VOL.  II. — Q  9 


98  JAMES   CLOPTON. 

free,  of  Chesterfield  County.  At  this  time  she  was  not  a  pro- 
fessed disciple  of  Christ,  but  subsequently  joined  the  church  as  a 
believer  in  his  name.  She  was  an  earnest,  active  Christian, 
gladly  contributing  her  full  measure  of  influence  in  promoting  his 
usefulness.  Several  children  were  the  fruit  of  this  union.  The 
responsibilities  of  a  father  were  well  understood,  and  endeavors 
made  faithfully  to  fulfill  them.  It  was  interesting,  and  sometimes 
affecting,  to  witness  this  deep  concern  for  their  salvation.  The 
power  of  a  godly  example  was  constantly  before  them,  and  often 
would  he  weep,  and  request  others  to  pray  for  their  deliverance 
from  the  curse  of  sin.  Nor  was  all  this  in  vain. 

Every  one  of  his  sons  and  daughters  became  pious,  excepting 
the  oldest  son.  The  writer  well .  remembers  the  scenes  which 
transpired  when  these  younger  members  of  his  household  were 
brought  into  the  fold  of  Christ.  It  was  our  privilege  to  lead 
most  of  them  into  the  baptismal  waters.  To  see,  at  different 
times,  these  brothers  and  sisters  embracing  each  other  in  the  new- 
found joy  of  their  hearts,  and  together  confessing  their  Saviour, 
gave  to  the  father's  heart  an  inexpressible  joy.  These  children 
have  all  furnished  the  most  satisfactory  evidence  of  the  radical 
character  of  the  change  they  then  professed.  They  have  shown 
how  abiding  was  that  influence  which  had  been  brought  to  bear 
upon  them  in  the  home-circle.  One  of  these  sons  has  been,  for 
some  time,  holding  forth  his  Divine  Saviour,  not,  indeed,  in  the 
pulpit,  but  in  the  Colporteur  work.  Another  has  filled  an  im- 
portant position  in  the  ministry,  and  is  now  pastor  of  a  large  and 
flourishing  African  church  in  one  of  our  cities.  A  third,  after 
entering  the  ministry,  gave  himself  to  the  Foreign  field,  and  now 
lies  entombed  within  the  great  empire  of  China.  The  daughters 
also,  in  their  love  of  the  Saviour,  have  done  what  they  could  to 
speed  his  kingdom  and  glory. 

Although  Elder  Clopton  did  not  command  attention  as  an 
orator,  or  by  the  extent  and  depth  of  his  investigations,  he  was 
what  might  be  called  a  substantial  preacher.  In  his  personal  ap- 
pearance he  made  a  favorable  impression.  In  form  robust  and 
manly,  and  in  manners  dignified  and  unassuming,  all  were  natu- 
rally prepossessed  in  his  favor.  He  always  wore  a  calm,  benignant 
countenance.  No  flights  of  oratory  were  attempted.  His  good 


JAMES   CLOPTON.  99 

sense  prevented  him  from  the  manifestation  of  a  folly  too  com- 
nion — a  pretentious  display  of  learning  and  skill  he  did  not  pos- 
sess. He  was  a  plain,  artless  man,  and  he  sought  to  be  no  more. 
His  sermons  consisted  of  a  simple,  unadorned  exhibition  of  the 
truth,  and  were  always  heard  with  respect  and  attention.  The 
experimental  and  practical  were  their  peculiar  characteristics. 

While  all  who  heard  him  were  accustomed  to  accord  the  most 
sincere  heart  and  useful  talents,  he  seemed  always  prepared  not 
to  exalt,  but  to  humble  himself.  He  was  willing  to  occupy  the 
lowest  place.  It  never  offended  him  to  know  that  other  men 
were  more  talented  and  popular.  The  petty  jealousy  which 
sometimes  disturbs  the  equanimity  of  even  good  men,  found  no 
place  in  his  heart.  Those  whose  advantages  had  been  superior  to 
his  own,  and  who  occupied  more  elevated  and  commanding  posi- 
tions, were  always  spoken  of  with  due  respect  and  admiration. 
Tliough  himself  uneducated,  he  was  the  warm  friend  of  ministerial 
improvement.  This  was  evinced  in  giving  his  sons  who  entered 
the  ministry  the  best  opportunities  which  our  colleges  could 
confer. 

No  one  more  sincerely  prized  the  society  of  good  men.  His 
doors  were  open  to  receive  such,  and  whenever  allowed,  in  the 
Providence  of  God,  to  attend  the  large  denominational  meetings 
of  the  State,  he  was  always  present.  He  seldom  or  never  took 
part  in  debate,  but  always  expressed  himself  as  pleased  and  pro- 
fited by  these  convocations. 

He  contributed  freely  of  his  substance  to  support  those  objects 
which  relate  to  the  diffusion  of  gospel  light,  and  this,  notwith- 
standing the  scantiness  of  support  he  received  from  his  churches. 
Of  industrious  provident  habits,  he  reared  his  family  in  comfort, 
and  abundantly  supplied  their  necessities,  and  yet  liberally  be- 
stowed to  sustain  whatever  seemed  likely  to  do  good  and  glorify 
God. 

James  Clopton  was  a  good  man.  This  was  the  secret  of  his 
influence  and  usefulness.  The  writer  knew  him  well,  and  a  better 
man  he  seldom,  if  ever  knew.  He  was  amiable  by  nature,  and 
grace  gave  him  a  polish  and  beauty  of  character  which  endeared 
him  to  all.  It  was  our  privilege  to  attend  a  camp-meeting  which 
had  been  originated  mainly  by  him,  and  while  some  of  the  baser 


100  DAVID   TINSLEV. 

sort  were  inclined  to  trample  on  good  order,  and  on  the  feelings 
of  the  more  active  participants  in  the  services  of  the  occasion,  it 
was  observable  that  all  were  careful  not  rudely  to  treat  Elder 
Clopton,  or  to  come  in  contact  with  his  wishes.  Thus,  by  evenness 
of  temper  and  habitual  consistency  of  character,  he  adorned  the 
doctrine  of  God  his  Saviour,  compelling  all  to  see  and  admit  the 
power  of  that  doctrine  to  sanctify  and  save. 

The  precise  time  of  his  death  we  have  been  unable  to  ascer- 
tain. Nothing  in  his  last  hours  occurred  worthy  of  note.  Nothing 
was  needed  to  satisfy  those  who  knew  him  of  the  genuineness 
of  his  Christian  character.  In  all  the  region  between  Richmond 
and  Williamsburg,  he  left  an  enduring  monument  in  the  hearts  of 
many,  to  i_e  praise  of  God's  grace. 


DAVID    TINSLEY. 

THIS  name  was  familiar  to  the  older  disciples  of  Christ  in  the 
Old  Dominion.  His  parents  belonged  to  Culpepper  County, 
where  he  was  born  in  the  year  1749;  but  his  early  years  were 
mostly  spent  in  one  of  the  counties  south  of  James  River,  his 
parents  having  removed  to  Amelia  County  not  very  long  after  his 
birth.  Where  and  under  whose  ministry  he  became  a  Baptist  is 
not  distinctly  known.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  at  an  early 
period  of  the  ministry  of  Samuel  Harriss  he  professed  religion 
and  entered  upon  the  work  of  preaching  the  gospel  himself,  as 
they  are  said  to  have  been  much  associated  in  their  labors.  He 
could  have  been  but  little  more  than  twenty  years  of  age  when  he 
was  actively  proclaiming  the  Word  of  Life.  The  earliest  con- 
victions of  William  Hickman,  whose  memoir  is  given  in  another 
place,  were  under  the  preaching  of  Tinsley.  He  speaks  of  hearing 
him  preach,  in  1771,  from  the  words,  "Thou  art  weighed  in  the 
balance,  and  found  wanting."  He  is  said  by  Hickman  to  have 
represented  the  peril  of  the  sinner  by  supposing  a  man  to  be 
largely  in  debt,  with  no  means  of  payment,  who  should  come  to 
his  creditor  acknowledging  his  inability,  but  proposing  to  receive 


DAVID   TINSLEY.  101 

more  goods  and  to  pay  for  all  received.  Would  the  creditor  be 
satisfied  ?  He  would  take  the  debtor  by  the  throat,  saying,  "  Pay 
mo  what  thou  owest."  "Then,"  says  Hickman,  "the  preacher 
calmly  applied  the  case  as  illustrative  of  man's  indebtedness  to 
God's  law,  and  if  he  could  live  as  holy  as  an  angel  in  heaven  to 
the  end  of  life,  it  would  not  atone  for  past  sins."  From  this 
reference,  it  appears  that  Tinsley  entered  the  ministry  in  early 
life. 

At  this  early  period  he  appears  to  have  been  actively  engaged 
in  the  work  of  an  evangelist.  He  is  said  by  Semple  to  have 
labored  in  the  County  of  Albemarle  in  1770.  Through  his  in- 
strumentality the  church  in  that  county,  called  Totier,  was  organ- 
ized. We  judge,  however,  he  did  not  long  remain  in  a^pone  posi- 
tion, unless  we  except  his  connection  with  Powhatan  Church,  in 
Powhatan  County.  He  seems  to  have  taken  charge  of  that  church 
as  its  first  pastor  in  the  same  year  that  the  church  in  Albemarle 
County  was  founded  by  him.  His  relation  to  Powhatan  Church 
continued  at  least  five  or  six  years. 

While  in  this  position  he  was  called  to  suffer,  for  his  Redeemer's 
sake,  the  most  bitter  persecution.  In  the  adjoining  County  of 
Chesterfield  he  was  seized  by  an  officer,  and,  with  others,  lodged 
in  prison.  This  was  in  the  depth  of  winter.  Here  he  remained 
four  months  and  sixteen  days.  His  condition  appears  to  have 
been  painful  in  the  extreme.  Not  content  with  sundering  him 
from  his  friends  and  placing  him  in  a  dungeon,  various  other 
attempts  were  made  to  annoy  and  distress  him.  The  suffocating 
effects  of  burning  tobacco  and  red  pepper  were  applied  to  the 
door  and  window  of  his  cell. 

In  this  case,  as  in  so  many  others  in  Virginia,  these  violent 
measures  were  most  wonderfully  overruled  for  good  in  the  wider 
diffusion  of  evangelical  truth.  The  Word  of  God  was  not  bound. 
From  that  prison  resounded  the  glorious  gospel  in  strains  so 
melting,  so  powerful,  that  scores  were  brought,  as  the  joyful 
recipients  of  salvation  by  faith  in  Christ,  to  put  him  on  in  baptism. 
An  old  brother,  who  not  long  since  passed  away  to  his  home 
above,  represented  himself  as  having  been  brought,  with  others,  to 
the  feet  of  the  Saviour  while  listening  to  these  imprisoned  ones. 
"All  around  the  jail,"  he  said,  "the  crowded  assembly  would 

9* 


102  DAVID   TINSLEY. 

stand ;  some  weeping  and  others  rejoicing,  as  they  received  the 
word  of  truth." 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  too,  that  the  church  from  which  he  had 
been  sundered  was,  during  his  imprisonment,  wonderfully  favored. 
The  spirit  of  one  of  his  members  in  Powhatan  Church  was  so 
powerfully  stirred  within  him  that  he  began  to  exhort  and  then 
to  preach.  From  his  ministrations  glorious  results  were  realized. 
Thus  the  Word  of  the  Lord  grew  and  multiplied. 

In  the  year  1782  Mr.  Tinsley  was  induced  to  remove  to  the 
lower  part  of  Virginia  to  assume  the  care  of  Matthews  Church, 
in  Matthews  County.  Here  he  remained  only  two  or  three  years; 
for  in  IT 85  he  was  induced  to  remove  to  the  South. 

"He  sailed,"  says  one  familiar  with  this  part  of  his  history, 
"from  Yorktown,  with  his  family,  for  Savannah,  which  he  reached 
after  a  voyage  of  two  months,  and  settled  ten  miles  northwest  of 
Augusta.  Here  he  united  with  Red  Creek  Church,  now  known 
as  Abilene." 

Mr.  Semple  mentions,  that  in  the  exciting  discussions  which 
took  place  under  the  influence  of  Jeremiah  Walker,  he  freely 
mingled,  and  suffered  himself  to  be  drawn  away  into  the  indulgence 
of  Arminian  sentiments.  In  1793  he  united  with  others  in  assist- 
ing to  organize  the  African  Church  in  Augusta,  and  in  1798 
took  a  seat  in  the  Georgia  General  Association,  thus  indicating, 
that  while  he  was  for  a  season  alienated,  he  had  been  restored  to 
confidence.  Mr.  Tinsley  died  in  October,  1801,  aged  fifty-two 
years.  His  last  sermon  was  preached  in  his  own  house,  from  the 
words,  "Remember  Lot's  wife." 

He  was  regarded,  while  in  Virginia,  as  an  excellent  preacher, 
and  through  life  seems  to  have  been  laborious  and  useful.  He  left 
a  numerous  and  highly  respectable  posterity.  Dr.  Tinsley,  his 
only  son,  was  for  some  time  Professor  of  Chemistry  in  Franklin 
College.  Mr.  Tinsley  is  said  by  Mr.  Benedict  to  have  been  four 
times  ordained:  once  to  the  office  of  deacon;  then  as  a  ruling 
elder;  afterwards  as  a  preacher;  and,  last  of  all,  by  Samuel 
Harriss,  as  an  evangelist,  while  he  officiated  as  the  apostle  of 
Virginia. 


CALEB   FISHER.  1Q3  „ 


CALEB    FISHER. 

THE  wonderful  developments  of  God's  power  and  mercy  in  the 
conversion  of  men,  constitute  the  most  effective  means  of  promoting 
his  praise.  "  The  heavens  declare  his  glory,  and  the  firmanent 
showeth  his  handiwork;"  but,  it  is  the  same  power  which  first 
commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of  darkness,  that  shines  into 
the  hearts  of  men,  turning  the  disobedient  to  the  wisdom  of  the 
just. 

•  This  is  illustrated  in  the  memoir  before  us.  CALEB  FISHER, 
a  resident  of  Northampton  County,  Virginia,  indicated  in  his 
early  years  the  strongest  disinclination  to  spiritual  things.  He 
was  a  daring,  reckless  adventurer  in  sinful  indulgence.  The  ball- 
room, race-field,  and  gambling-table  were  his  chosen  places  of 
resort.  The  thoughtless  and  the  vain  were  his  loved  associates. 
He  truly  walked  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly,  stood  in  the  way 
of  sinners,  and  sat  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful. 

It  was  this  man,  so  heaven-daring  in  his  impiety,  that  the  om- 
nipotent power  of  God's  grace  reached  and  subdued.  In  the 
language  of  another :  "  The  arrows  of  the  Almighty  stuck  fast  in 
him ;  and,  although  he  was  at  first  as  a  bullock,  unaccustomed  to 
the  yoke,  he  finally  found  the  yoke  of  Jesus  easy  and  his  burden 
light."  The  change  to  himself  and  others,  was  surprising.  He 
could  say : — 

"Great  is  the  work,  my  neighbors  cried, 

And  owned  thy  power  Divine  ; 
Great  is  the  work,  my  heart  replied, 
And  be  the  glory  iliine!" 

He  now  changed  his  whole  course.  Now  he  was  found  at  the 
house  of  God,  seeking  the  society  of  the  godly,  and  mingling 
with  delight  in  all  its  holy  exercises.  Though  at  the  expense  of 
the  friendship  of  his  old  associates,  he  resolved  to  unite  himself 
with  God's  people.  He  was  baptized  in  the  year  1792. 

Like  Saul  of  Tarsus,  he  purposed  in  his  heart  to  build  up  the 
faith  he  once  destroyed.  Soon  he  began  to  plead  for  Christ,  in 


104  ROBERT  LILLY. 

the  midst  of  much  opposition.  He  did  not,  however,  immedi- 
ately enter  the  ministry.  His  old  confederates  in  sin  were  now 
moved,  in  the  spirit  of  bitter  hostility,  to  assail  him  in  every  pos- 
sible form.  They  attended  his  meetings  only  to  mock.  Every 
endeavor  was  made  to  disconcert  him  in  his  attempts  to  conduct 
public  worship.  The  most  disorderly  conduct  distinguished  them, 
with  the  hope  of  breaking  up  his  meetings  and  driving  him  from 
the  neighborhood.  But  he  stood  firm.  At  length  it  was  con- 
trived, upon  some  frivolous  allegations,  to  arraign  him  before  a 
magistrate.  The  principal  operator  in  this  malign  procedure, 
in  the  presence  of  the  court,  indulged  in  the  most  abusive  language. 
While  thus  bringing  his  allegations,  and  indulging  in  his  assault, 
he  suddenly  lost  the  use  of  speech,  falling  a  helpless  paralytic,  in 
the  presence  of  the  assembled  crowd.  He  lost  entirely  the  use 
of  one  side,  and  for  months  remained  helpless,  but  suffering  the 
most  acute  agony  of  body  and  mind.  God,  sometimes  in  the 
most  remarkable  manner,  vindicates  himself  and  his  cause.  The 
effect  of  this  visitation  of  Providence  was  powerfully  felt  by  the 
people  of  that  vicinity. 

As  a  preacher  Mr.  Fisher  did  not  reach  a  very  high  distinc- 
tion. Having  passed  his  fortieth  year  before  he  was  ordained,  it 
was  not  to  be  expected  he  could  largely  increase  his  stock  of 
knowledge.  He  is  said,  however,  to  have  been  an  instructive  and 
impressive  preacher.  He  became  pastor  of  the  Mashapongo 
Church,  in  the  County  of  Northampton;  and,  in  this  relation, 
seems  to  have  been  favored  with  success. 


ROBERT     LILLY. 

IT  is  pleasant  to  refer  to  the  life  of  such  a  man  as  ROBERT 
LILLY.  Unequivocal  evidence  was  given  that  he  was  an  honest, 
humble,  fervent  follower  of  Jesus  .Christ,  so  that,  with  full  know- 
ledge of  his  history,  no  hesitation  is  felt  in  pointing  to  him  as 
worthy  of  imitation. 

He  was  born  June  20th,  1774,  in  the  County  of  Fluvanna,  not 


ROBERT   LILLY.  105 

far  from  Wilmington.  In  early  life  he  seems  to  have  been  a 
favorite  in  the  family,  and  to  have  received  peculiar  attention, 
being  the  youngest  child  of  his  parents.  The  best  opportunities 
of  a  common  school  education  were  allowed,  while  constant  care 
was  taken  to  accustom  him  to  habits  of  industry.  He  was  re- 
quired to  labor  on  the  farm,  and  to  contribute  his  quota  toward 
the  support  of  the  family.  Thus  was  laid  the  foundation  of  that 
solid  character  which  he  afterwards  evinced.  Though  always 
serious  and  respectful  to  religion,  no  special  effect  seems  to  have 
been  wrought  on  his  heart  until  he  had  reached  his  thirtieth  year, 
when  he  was  baptized  by  Elder  William  Baskett,  then  pastor  of 
Lyle's  Baptist  Church.  He  had  then  been  married  about  four 
years,  and  was  living  on  his  own  farm.  It  was  his  privilege  to 
be  joined  in  the  baptismal  waters  by  his  wife.  On  that  solemn 
occasion,  it  is  said,  they  became  pledged  to  each  other  to  suffer 
no  light  reasons  to  prevent  a  regular  attendance  on  all  meetings 
of  the  church. 

Soon  after  his  connection  with  the  church,  he  began  to  exer- 
cise the  gift  of  exhortation,  and  then  to  preach.  It  was  not, 
however,  until  after  many  struggles,  and  much  prayer,  that  he 
was  satisfied  of  the  Divine  will  to  enter  fully  into  the  ministry. 
This  was  in  1815,  the  year  of  Elder  Baskett 's  death,  by  which 
the  church  was  left  destitute  of  pastoral  care.  They  remained 
some  time  in  this  condition.  In  this  exigency,  they  invited  the 
subject  of  this  sketch  to  ordination;  and  in  May,  1821,  he  was 
set  apart  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry  by  Elders  William  Y. 
Hiter  and  James  Fife. 

The  history  of  Elder  Lilly's  pastorate  illustrates,  in  a  remark- 
able manner,  how  far  diligence  and  consistency  of  character  will, 
with  God's  blessing,  secure  success.  His  talents  as  a  speaker 
were  not  above  mediocrity,  nor  was  his  knowledge  on  theological 
subjects  profound,  and  yet  he  reached  a  measure  of  usefulness 
which  is  not  attained  by  many  much  his  superiors  in  these  re- 
spects. The  church  maintained  her  position  in  the  exercise  of 
mutual  love  and  a  wholesome  discipline,  while  a  regular,  steady 
growth  in  numbers  and  piety  was  evinced. 

The  labors  of  Elder  Lilly  were  not,  however,  confined  to  this 
church.  He  administered  the  word  and  ordinances  for  Bybee's 


106  ROBERT   LILLY. 

Road  and  Mount  Gilead  Churches.  At  Prospect,  also,  a  church 
was  raised,  mainly  through  his  instrumentality.  During  his  mi- 
nistry, he  baptized  about  seven  hundred  persons ;  and  when  he 
succeeded  in  bringing  them  into  the  church,  it  was  his  constant 
endeavor  to  watch  over  the  sheep  committed  to  his  care.  It  is 
said  that  Lyle's,  the  principal  church  under  his  pastorate,  was 
unexampled  in  the  number  regularly  in  attendance  on  the  Satur- 
day church-meetings. 

The  views  of  this  servant  of  God,  relative  to  the  plan  of  salva- 
tion and  the  doctrines  of  God's  Word,  were  sound  and  evangeli- 
cal. He  delighted  to  dwell  on  the  amazing  love  of  Jesus  Christ 
in  giving  his  life  for  the  sins  of  men,  often  speaking  and  writing 
on  this  theme.  It  was  to  him  also  a  sincere  delight  to  listen  to 
others,  as  they  might  expatiate  on  the  work  of  redemption. 
He  was  a  lover  of  good  men.  No  little,  envious  feelings  were 
indulged,  iii  associating  with  or  hearing  his  more  intelligent  and 
popular  ministering  brethren.  If  Christ  were  preached,  he  re- 
joiced, and  his  joy  was  in  proportion  to  the  clearness  and  power 
with  which  the  truth  was  proclaimed. 

Mr.  Lilly  was  an  eminently  practical  man.  He  took  a  strong 
position  in  advocating  the  claims  of  God's  law.  One  was  re- 
minded, in  meeting  with  him,  of  the  old  Puritan;  severe  in  the 
control  of  his  own  passions,  and  in  the  urgency  of  the  Divine 
claim.  In  his  frequent  communications  for  the  Religious  Herald, 
over  the  signature  of  "Old-fashioned  Preacher,"  it  seemed  to  be 
his  purpose  to  scan  and  rebuke  some  prevailing  evil,  or  to  encou- 
rage some  plan  of  benevolence.  In  writing  on  the  subject  of 
dancing,  he  says :  "I  was  struck  with  the  query  respecting  a  mi- 
nister who  would  send  his  children  to  dancing-school.  I  did  not 
suppose  there  were  such  characters  in  Virginia.  Is  there  a 
church  in  old,  enlightened  Virginia,  that  would  call  to  be  their 
pastor  one  who  follows  the  practice  ?  Suppose,  in  the  early  rise 
of  the  Baptists  in  our  State,  such  men  as  Marshall,  Harriss, 
Reed,  the  Craigs,  Waller,  Ford,  and  Webber,  had  encouraged 
such  schools,  they  would  have  done  no  more  good  than  the 
preaching  among  the  wicked  Sodomites.  Let  such  ministers  no 
longer  affect  to  pity  the  condition  of  the  heathen,  while  they 
encourage  wickedness  at  home." 


ROBERT   LILLY.  107 

Referring  to  the  practice  of  some  who  allow  themselves  to  be 
lured  from  fields  of  usefulness,  he  animadverts  thus:  "I  am  re- 
minded of  a  case  occurring  many  years  ago.  A  certain  minister 
had  been  preaching  to  a  congregation,  but  received  a  call  to 
another.  The  following  conversation  took  place  between  him  and 
his  servant:  'Massa,  what  you  go  away  for?'  Preacher:  'I  have 
a  call.'  'Massa,  who  call  you?'  'God  Almighty,'  says  the 
preacher.  '  Massa,  what  you  get  for  preaching  here  ?'  '  Two 
hundred  pounds  a  year.'  'Massa,  what  you  get  where  you  go?' 
'Four  hundred  pounds.'  'Ah,  Massa,  God  Almighty  call  you 
from  four  hundred  to  two  hundred  pounds,  he  call  you  till  he 
blind,  you  no  go!'  I  fear  the  above  principle  is  becoming  too 
common  in  our  own  denomination,  though  I  am  by  no  means 
opposed  to  a  competent  support,  where  churches  are  able  to 
give  it." 

Alluding  to  this  subject  at  another  time,  he  remarks :  "  In 
looking  back,  I  must  review  a  period  of  fifty  years.  I  then 
owned  a  small  farm ;  had  a  wife  and  two  children ;  my  mind 
became  exercised  on  the  subject  of  the  ministry.  I  have  no 
doubt  as  many  excuses  were  made  as  Moses  made.  I  can  truly 
say,  if  ever  my  salvation  was  made  a  subject  of  prayer,  I  was  then 
engaged  to  know  what  the  will  of  the  Lord  was.  I  could  not  feel 
satisfied  until  I  had  made  the  attempt.  I  can  truly  say,  I  have 
nothing  to  boast  of  as  respects  myself,  but  can  adopt  the  lan- 
guage of  Paul,  '  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory,  save  in  the  cross 
of  oar  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'  I  had  no  assurance  that  I  should 
ever  receive  a  dollar  for  my  services,  but  I  have  made  it  a  rule  to 
take  with  thankfulness  whatever  was  given.  I  have  always  had 
to  labor  on  the  farm,  as  long  as  I  was  able.  I  am  not  opposed 
to  a  preacher  receiving  a  competent  support.  The  Scripture  is 
quite  clear  on  that  subject.  I  remember  hearing  an  old  Baptist 
preacher  saying,  he  had  been  pastor  of  a  church  the  greater  part 
of  his  life,  and  if  he  should  count  up  all  the  expense,  loss  of 
time,  etc.,  and  then  estimate  the  sums  received  for  preaching,  it 
is  doubtful  whether  he  would  have  enough  to  buy  a  new  coat 
But  I  am  afraid  some  will  think  I  am  pleading  for  this  now. 
I  say,  without  hesitation,  let  every  young  preacher  secure  a  good 


108  ROBERT  LILLY. 

education ;  and  if  any  congregation  shall  give  him  a  call,  and  be 
ready  to  support  him,  let  him  go;  but  if  a  preacher  go  hunting 
up  and  down  to  see  where  he  can  get  the  most  money,  brings  to 
my  recollection  a  saying  of  old  Father  Leland :  '  These  golden 
sermons,  and  silver  prayers,  are  of  no  great  value.'" 

But  we  must  approach  the  period  of  his  dissolution.  He  had 
reached  a  good  old  age,  had  labored  faithfully,  and  was  waiting 
for  his  dismissal.  Though  laden  with  infirmities  and  confined  for 
months  to  his  house,  he  was  tranquil  and  cheerful.  He  looked  into 
the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  and  feared  no  evil.  It  was 
his  desire  that  his  last  resting-place  might  be  beside  the  wife  of 
his  youth.  He  laid  off,  with  his  own  hands,  the  spot,  and  cleared 
from  it  the  weeds  with  which  it  was  covered.  The  stone  for  his 
grave  he  procured,  and  wrote  upon  it  his  name.  It  was  his 
desire  once  more  to  meet  his  brethren  at  Lyle's ;  the  strength  was 
summoned,  and  in  May,  1856,  he  was  taken  to  that  loved  spot, 
where  he  spoke  of  the  things  of  the  kingdom,  broke  bread  with 
the  church,  and  then  returned  to  his  chamber  to  go  out  no  more. 
He  lingered  until  the  fifth  of  November,  when  he  peacefully 
resigned  his  spirit,  at  "Promised  Land,"  in  the  same  house  where 
he  was  born,  having  reached  his  eighty-third  year. 

In  his  will  he  named  the  minister,  Elder  James  Fife,  who 
should  preach  his  funeral  sermon ;  the  text  and  hymn,  also,  were 
selected.  The  hymn — 

"  Great  God,  I  own  thy  sentence  just." 

His  wishes  were  carried  out ;  and  Elder  Fife  preached  an  impres- 
sive discourse,  from  the  chosen  text,  "  I  know  that  my  Redeemer 
liveth." 

Elder  Lilly  lost  his  wife  ten  or  twelve  years  before  his  death. 
All  his  children,  two  sons  and  five  daughters,  were  baptized  by 
himself. 


JOHN    KERR.  109 


JOHN    KERR, 

NOT  a  few  living  witnesses  remain  to  attest  the  powerful 
influence  of  JOHN  KERR  in  the  ministry  of  reconciliation.  To  the 
writer  it  is  a  pleasing  task  to  furnish  a  record  of  his  many  excel- 
lencies as  a  man,  a  Christian,  and  a  preacher.  He  lived  at  that 
interesting  period  when  the  Baptists  were  beginning  to  enjoy  the 
benefits  of  those  civil  and  ecclesiastical  privileges  for  which  their 
fathers  so  long  toiled  and  suffered.  To  fill  such  a  period,  and  to 
perform  his  part  well  in  it,  he  was,  by  nature  and  education,  and 
the  grace  of  God,  eminently  qualified. 

John  Kerr  was  born  in  Caswell  County,  North  Carolina, 
August  4th,  1782,  a  little  subsequently  to  the  stirring  scenes 
attendant  upon  the  passage  of  the  British  army  through  the 
Southern  States  under  Lord  Cornwallis.  His  father,  of  Scotch 
descent,  was  an  eminently  pious  man,  of  the  Baptist  persuasion ; 
and  his  mother,  connected  with  the  Graves  family  of  that  region, 
was  no  less  distinguished  for  excellence  and  energy  of  character. 
Under  the  tuition  of  such  parents  it  might  well  be  supposed  that 
his  youthful  years  were  passed  in  a  manner  well  suited  to  the 
cultivation  and  development  of  those  qualities  which  would  pre- 
pare for  future  usefulness.  In  early  boyhood  he  is  said  to  have 
evinced  a  readiness  for  the  acquisition  of  knowledge,  while  his 
sprightly  manners  and  amiable  disposition  made  him  a  favorite 
with  all.  His  education  was  not  thorough,  but  superior  to  most 
of  those  by  whom  he  was  surrounded. 

His  conversion  occurred  at  an  early  age.  He  had  engaged  in 
conducting  a  school,  when  his  mind  became  interested  in  spiritual 
things.  The  following  reference  to  his  early  religious  exercises 
is  made  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter : — 

"About  the  year  1800  there  was,  in  the  adjoining  County  of 
Orange,  a  Presbyterian  congregation,  under  the  charge  of  the 
Rev.  William  Paisley,  who  is,  I  learn,  still  living,  and,  at  a  very 
advanced  age,  prosecuting,  with  commendable  diligence  and 
fidelity,  his  sacred  ministry.  For  a  long  season  coldness  and 
formality  had  prevailed  in  this  church.  A  visiting  minister,  from 

VOL.  II.  10 


110  JOHN    KERR. 

the  State  of  Tennessee,  preaching  for  them,  took  occasion  to  de- 
nounce religious  excitement.  If  this  was  an  evil,  it  was  one  with 
which  that  church  had  not  for  a  considerable  time  been  afflicted. 
The  pious  pastor  was  deeply  affected.  He  arose  to  counteract 
the  deadening  influence  of  the  sermon  by  a  warm  and  stirring 
exhortation.  But  his  heart  was  too  full  for  utterance.  He  stood 
in  his  pulpit,  and,  looking  in  solemn  silence  on  his  congregation, 
burst  into  tears.  The  effect  was  electrical ;  the  excitement  had 
now  begun ;  God  was  in  the  assembly ;  a  most  impressive  scene 
ensued.  The  mingling  sounds  of  praise  and  of  lamentation,  as 
at  the  laying  of  the  corner-stone  of  the  second  temple,  were  heard 
throughout  the  congregation.  This  was  the  beginning  of  a  great, 
spreading,  and  glorious  revival  of  religion 

"Many  persons,  from  various  motives,  were  now  attracted  to 
the  meetings  at  the  Cross  Roads.  Among  those  who  went  to  be 
amused  was  young  John  Kerr.  God,  having  designs  of  mercy 
toward  him,  directed  him  to  the  hallowed  place.  As  he  approached 
it  his  mind  was  solemnly  impressed  by  the  groans  and  prayers 
which,  from  every  side,  he  heard  ascending  to  heaven.  He  was 
quickly  seized  with  an  overwhelming  sense  of  guilt,  and  falling, 
like  Saul  of  Tarsus,  prostrate  on  the  earth,  he  continued  all  night 
to  implore  the  mercy  of  God.  That  mercy,  to  the  joy  of  his  heart, 
he  soon  found." 

We  can  well  understand  how  a  mind  constituted  like  his  should 
have  been  powerfully  affected  in  a  recognition  of  God's  mercy  to 
him  through  Jesus  Christ.  His  cup  of  joy  was  full  to  overflowing. 
He  gave  utterance  to  the  feelings  of  a  grateful  heart  not  only  in 
thanksgiving  to  God,  but  in  warm,  impassioned  appeals  to  his 
fellow-youth  around  him.  Often  have  we  heard  him  speak  in 
glowing  language  of  this,  the  season  of  his  early  love.  He  could 
not  be  held  back  in  his  deep,  strong  solicitude  for  the  spiritual 
benefit  of  others.  It  cannot  be  stated  with  precision  what  time  his 
conversion  occurred,  though  it  is  certain  that  for  several  months 
before  his  connection  with  the  people  of  God  he  was  engaged 
in  public  appeals  to  his  fellow-men.  His  baptism  took  place 
August  12th,  1801,  just  after  he  had  passed  his  nineteenth  year. 
On  that  day  he  delivered  an  animated  discourse.  Shortly  after, 
he  was  regularly  licensed,  and  went  forth,  with  irrepressible  zeal, 


JOHN    KERR.  HI 

to  speak  of  the  loveliness  and  love  of  his  redeeming  Lord.  Says 
Mr.  Semple :  "  He  soon  commanded  attention.  His  speech  and 
his  preaching  were  in  demonstration  of  the  Spirit  and  of  power. 
He  began  to  travel,  and,  wherever  he  went,  he  was  highly  accept- 
able. His  labors  were  blessed." 

The  school-room  was  now  abandoned.  He  considered  himself 
called  to  the  specific  work  of  preaching  the  gospel.  Nor  was  he 
content  to  remain  within  any  prescribed  limits.  Extensive  tours 
were  taken  in  various  directions.  Passing  through  his  own  native 
State,  he  visited  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  and  formed  an 
acquaintance  with  several  of  the  most  distinguished  ministers  of 
those  States.  Returning,  he  mingled  with  the  churches  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  wherever  he  went,  in  almost  seraphic  strains  he  com- 
mended the  person,  and  work,  and  righteousness  of  Jesus,  his 
Redeemer.  The  writer  has  often  heard  allusions  to  these  early 
visits  of  the  youthful  Kerr  in  Lower  Virginia.  His  slender  but 
erect  form,  his  brilliant  eye,  his  manly  bearing,  and,  above  all,  his 
well-toned,  flexible  voice,  commanded  for  him  universal  attention. 
The  impression  made  by  the  yet  inexperienced  orator  was  strong 
and  abiding.  Many  of  the  more  aged  brethren  still  speak  of  the 
vivitl  impressions  they  retain  of  his  whole  manner,  and  the  evangelic 
character  of  his  discourses. 

Mr.  Kerr  entered  into  the  marriage  relation  with  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Williams,  of  Halifax  County,  Virginia.  This  pious  lady  shared 
with  him  in  the  toils  and  trials  of  life,  and  by  her  energy  of  cha- 
racter contributed  to  his  usefulness.  She  was  removed  from  him 
by  death  on  the  31st  of  October,  1834.  Her  last  illness  was 
somewhat  painful  and  protracted,  during  which  she  calmly  arranged 
all  her  domestic  concerns,  took  a  retrospect  of  her  past  life,  and 
sent  special  messages  to  her  absent  children,  beseeching  them  to 
meet  her  in  heaven. 

The  earlier  ministerial  life  of  Elder  Kerr  was  spent  in  Halifax 
County,  where  he  labored  more  or  less  with  different  chnrches. 
His  membership  was  with  Arbor  Church,  and  for  this  body  and 
Miry  Creek  Church  he  exercised  the  pastoral  function  for  several 
years. 

After  a  continued  and  popular  employment  of  talent  and  in- 
fluence in  the  special  duties  of  the  ministry  up  to  the  year  1811, 


112  JOHN    KERR 

by  the  earnest  solicitations  of  his  friends,  he  permitted  himself 
to  become  a  candidate  for  Congress.  His  first  canvass  was  not 
successful.  In  the  agitation  of  political  questions,  and  his  ap- 
pearance before  the  people  in  the  advocacy  of  his  claim,  much 
injury  was  done  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  His  brethren  were  in 
many  instances  aggrieved,  and  the  enemies  of  religion  gratified. 
Many  took  occasion  to  reproach  the  worthy  name  by  which  he 
was  called.  It  seemed  strange,  to  friends  and  foes,  that  one  who 
had  taken  such  lofty  views  of  Christian  character  and  obligation, 
should  condescend  to  yield  the  great  work  of  the  gospel  ministry 
for  the  strife  of  political  warfare.  That  it  was  a  condescention 
no  one,  taking  proper  views  of  the  ministerial  vocation,  can  for  a 
moment  doubt.  It  had  been  well  for  Mr.  Kerr,  and  the  cause  of 
Christ,  if  his  defeat  had  driven  him  back  to  his  appropriate  work. 
But  it  was  not  so.  He  continued  a  candidate  for  the  suffrages  of 
the  people,  and  was  elected.  Several  years  he  visited  Washing- 
ton, in  the  fulfillment  of  his  trust ;  and  during  the  war,  one  of  the 
most  exciting  periods  of  our  political  history,  served  his  constitu- 
ents with  fidelity.  Although  he  seems  to  have  preached  but 
seldom  in  Washington,  he  was  still  recognized  as  the  minister  and 
consistent  follower  of  Christ. 

That  the  political  life  of  Mr.  Kerr  was  unfavorable  to  his  spi- 
rituality as  a  Christian  and  his  usefulness  as  a  minister,  he  often 
afterwards  acknowledged.  So  seriously  did  it  affect  him,  that  he 
began  to  consider  the  expediency  of  entering  the  legal  profession. 
The  temptation  came  with  power,  that  the  claims  of  a  growing 
family  demanded  such  a  change  in  his  employments.  From  this 
delusion  he  was  awakened  by  a  special  providence,  so  painful,  and 
yet  so  merciful,  that  it  was  never  subsequently  contemplated  but 
with  a  mingling  of  horror  and  thankfulness.  We  extract  a  refer- 
ence to  this  event  from  the  funeral  sermon  of  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter: — 

"During  his  abode  in  Halifax  an  event,  of  which  I  have  seve- 
ral times  heard  Elder  Kerr  speak,  took  place.  He  was  strongly 
tempted  to  abandon  his  ministry,  and  to  enter  on  the  practice  of 
the  law — a  profession  for  which  he  had  a  strong  predilection. 
The  necessities  of  a  growing  family  seemed  to  demand  the  mea- 
sure. One  day  he  was  riding  home,  perhaps  from  preaching, 
revolving  in  his  mind  the  question  of  duty.  The  emoluments 


JOHN    KERR.  H3 

and  honors  of  tlic  legal  profession  were  temptingly  spread  before 
his  mind.  His  purpose  was  suddenly  formed,  and  he  rejoiced 
that  the  question  of  duty  was  at  length  decided.  But  God  did 
not  design  to  discharge  him  from  the  gospel  ministry.  His  horse 
took  fright;  he  was  thrown  from  his  gig,  and  the  bones  of  one 
leg  were  dreadfully  fractured.  For  several  weeks  he  lay  in  ex- 
cruciating pain,  and  all  hope  of  saving  the  limb  had  nearly 
vanished.  One  night  he  fell  asleep,  and  dreamed  that  the 
Saviour  came  to  him,  and,  with  benignant  countenance,  laying 
his  hand  gently  on  the  wound,  healed  it.  He  awoke  in  ecstasy. 
Calling  his  family  around  him,  he  declared  that  his  limb  was 
healed,  and  insisted  that  he  should  be  permitted  to  rise  and  walk. 
In  this,  however,  he  was  mistaken ;  but  from  that  moment  he 
never  experienced  the  slightest  pain  in  the  fractured  member, 
and  it  healed  with  astonishing  rapidity.  The  end  of  the  afflic- 
tion had  been  attained.  All  desire  to  enter  on  the  practice  of  the 
law  had  vanished ;  and  never  had  the  work  of  preaching  Christ 
to  guilty  men  seemed  to  him  so  delightful,  so  important,  and  so 
glorious." 

After  this  remarkable  deliverance  from  affliction,  and  from  the 
snare  of  the  fowler,  a  new  impetus  seems  to  have  been  given  to 
his  pious  resolutions.  With  fresh  consecration  to  the  service  of 
Christ,  he  began  to  preach  with  a  fervor  which  reminded  his 
older  friends  of  what  he  had  been  in  the  days  of  his  youth.  The 
appointments  to  hold  forth  the  Word  of  Life  were  more  frequent, 
while  a  new  interest  was  taken  in  the  society  of  Christians  and 
in  all  that  related  to  the  kingdom  and  glory  of  his  Divine  Lord. 

We  now  turn  to  an  era  in  his  history  which  gave  a  new  direc- 
tion to  his  future  life.  An  earnest  and  importunate  call  was 
extended  by  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  the  City  of  Richmond, 
and,  after  serious  and  prayerful  consideration,  this  invitation  was 
accepted.  His  removal  occurred  in  March,  1825.  The  house  of 
worship  then  occupied  by  the  church,  and  since  surrendered  to 
the  use  of  the  colored  people,  was  at  once  filled  to  overflowing. 
Crowds  were  compelled  to  leave  for  want  of  room.  His  ministry 
excited  attention  and  interest  among  all  classes  of  society.  The 
style  and  manner  were  novel.  He  preached  not  unfrequently  for 
two  hours  in  succession,  and  for  months  was  heard  in  these  pro- 


114  JOHN    KERR. 

traded  discourses  without  weariness  or  complaint.  In  1826-27, 
about  two  hundred  were  added  to  the  church  ;  the  next  year  more 
than  fifty;  and  thus  every  year  more  or  less  until  1831,  when 
nearly  six  hundred  were  baptized  by  him.  Writing  in  reference 
to  this  revival,  he  says,  on  one  occasion:  "I  have  just  returned 
from  a  sunrise  prayer-meeting.  Between  sixty  and  a  hundred 
deliberately  assembled  together  in  the  character  of  anxious  in- 
quirers, and  a  goodly  number  were  delivered  from  the  bond- 
age of  sin  and  death.  The  work  has  daily  and  hourly  increased 
since  it  began.  The  Lord  reigns ;  let  us  rejoice,  and  give  glory 
to  him." 

During  the  pastorate  of  Elder  Kerr  in  the  City  of  Richmond,  he 
manifested  a  special  interest  in  behalf  of  all  the  various  benevolent 
interests  of  the  day.  For  many  years  he  was  called  to  preside 
over  the  General  Association  of  Virginia,  as  well  as  the  Dover 
Association  and  other  societies.  As  a  presiding  officer,  he 
excelled.  His  fine,  commanding  person,  benevolent  countenance, 
and  amiable  spirit,  eminently  qualified  him  for  this  vocation. 
The  cause  of  ministerial  education  found  in  him  an  active,  ardent 
friend.  For  a  few  months,  though  with  limited  success,  he  was 
engaged  in  an  agency  for  the  Virginia  Baptist  Seminary. 

In  the  controversy  which  took  place  on  the  question  of  affili- 
ating with  Mr.  Alexander  Campbell,  he  bore  a  conspicuous  part. 
Little  was  written  by  him,  but  the  whole  weight  of  his  influence 
was  brought  to  bear  against  the  system,  termed  by  its  adherents 
"the  ancient  order  of  things."  He  had  been  a  sufferer,  by  the 
introduction  of  this  schism  in  his  own  church.  Though  aware 
of  some  eccentricities  in  the  views  of  Mr.  Campbell,  when  he 
appeared  as  a  member  of  the  Virginia  Convention  for  the  revi- 
sion of  the  Constitution,  Mr.  Kerr  invited  him  to  occupy  his  pul- 
pit. The  doctrines  of  the  new  system  were  cautiously  introduced 
from  time  to  time,  until  it  was  found  by  the  too  confiding  pastor 
that  a  number  of  his  members  had  imbibed  the  poison.  The  re- 
sult might  have  been  anticipated.  The  dissentients  soon  indicated 
a  restless,  captious,  schismatic  spirit.  About  seventy  were  cut 
off  from  the  fellowship  of  the  church ;  and  the  smitten,  grieved 
heart  of  the  pastor  was  thus  painfully  affected  by  those  who  had 
previously  been  his  warmest  friends,  and  who  would  have  plucked 


JOHN    KERR.  ]15 

out  their  own  eyes  for  him.  Though  the  conflict  in  his  own 
church  was  sore,  he  shrunk  not,  but  maintained  the  great  truths 
which,  from  early  boyhood,  it  had  been  his  glory  to  defend  and 
proclaim. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Dover  Association,  held  at  Four  Mile 
Creek  Meeting-house,  Henrico  County,  October,  1832,  Mr.  Kerr 
was  placed  at  the  head  of  a  committee,  to  consider  and  report  on 
the  question  of  continuing  fellowship  with  those  who  were  the 
occasion  of  discord  among  the  churches.  An  able  report  was 
prepared  by  the  chairman,  recommending  a  separation,  which  re- 
port was  adopted.  From  this  able  document  we  extract  the 
following : — 

"  The  Association  having  been  from  its  origin  blessed  with  un- 
interrupted harmony  and  a  high  degree  of  religious  prosperity, 
has  seen,  with  unspeakable  regret,  within  a  few  years  past,  the 
spirit  of  speculation,  controversy,  and  strife  growing  up  among 
some  of  the  ministers  and  churches  within  its  bounds.  This  un- 
happy state  of  things  has  evidently  been  produced  by  the  preach- 
ing and  writings  of  Alexander  Campbell  and  his  adherents. 
After  having  deliberately  and  prayerfully  examined  the  doctrines 
held  and  propagated  by  them,  and  waited  long  to  witness  their 
practical  influence  on  the  churches  and  upon  society  in  general, 
we  are  thoroughly  convinced  that  they  are  doctrines  not  according 
to  godliness,  but  subversive  of  the  true  spirit  of  the  gospel  of 
Jesus  Christ,  disorganizing  and  demoralizing  in  their  tendency, 
and,  therefore,  ought  to  be  disavowed  and  resisted  by  all  the 
lovers  of  truth  and  sound  piety." 

For  the  purpose  of  devoting  himself  more  especially  to  evan- 
gelistic labors,  in  1832  he  resigned  the  care  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church,  in  Richmond ;  but,  at  their  urgent  request,  retained  a  nomi- 
nal connection  until  the  close  of  1833.  His  time  now  was  given  to 
protracted  meetings  and  visiting  destitute  churches.  Most  faith- 
fully did  he  occupy  his  time  and  talents  in  proclaiming  the  salva- 
tion of  the  gospel.  In  these  excursions,  he  visited  the  region  where 
he  passed  his  youthful  days.  Writing  of  this  visit,  he  says: 
"  Imagine,  if  you  can,  the  joy  I  felt  and  now  feel,  when  I  tell  you, 
that  all  this  occurred  in  sight  of  the  spot  where  I  was  born ;  in 
the  region  where  I  was  born  again ;  where  I  began  my  ministerial 


116  JOHN    KERR. 

career;  in  the  church  where  my  father  and  mother  were  for  many 
years  members;  amid  the  companions  of  my  childhood,  the  asso- 
ciates of  my  youth,  and  many  of  them  '  my  brethren  and  kinsmen 
according  to  the  flesh.'  Again,  I  will  say,  and  you  will  sing, 
'Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good-will 
toward  men.'  Amen." 

In  the  year  1836,  having  married  a  second  time,  a  lady  of 
Georgia,  he  located  in  Danville.  Referring  to  this,  he  writes : 
"  I  am  now  residing  in  this  place.  I  have  purchased  a  tract  of 
land  within  one  mile  of  town,  where  I  expect  to  spend  the  rem- 
nant of  my  days.  Here  is  a  vast  and  important  field  of  labor : 
may  God  arm  and  equip  me  for  the  work.  I  attended  the  North 
Carolina  Baptist  Convention  last  week.  They  had  a  harmonious 
and  interesting  session.  All  their  doings  evince  much  of  the  right 
spirit.  A  most  respectful  notice  was  taken  of  the  death  of  our 
beloved  and  lamented  brother,  Luther  Rice.  In  obedience  to  a 
resolution  of  that  body,  I  preached  a  sermon  on  the  solemn  occa- 
sion, which  was  ordered  to  be  printed  when  I  can  furnish  a  copy 
for  the  press." 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  continued  to  perform  various  labors, 
in  assisting  the  pastor  of  the  church  in  Danville,  and  other  pastors 
in  different  directions,  to  the  close  of  his  life.  It  is  said  by  those 
who  were  intimate  with  him,  that  he  indicated  a  growing  spiritu- 
ality and  preparation  for  heaven.  Writing  to  a  brother,  in  1839, 
he  says : — 

"  I  think  I  love  Christianity  more  than  ever  I  did.  I  see  more 
harmony,  and  beauty,  and  glory  in  the  gospel  than  ever  I  have 
before  seen ;  the  Christianity  which  Jesus  taught,  and  exemplified 
in  his  life ;  the  Christianity  embodied  in  the  two  great  command- 
ments, '  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and 
with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength, 
and  thy  neighbor  as  thyself;'  the  Christianity  which  the  angels 
published  and  sang  at  the  birth  of  our  blessed  Saviour:  'Behold, 
I  bring  you  glad  tidings  of  great  joy,  which  shall  be  to  all  people.' 

"Will  it  surprise  you,  my  brother,  to  hear  that  I  have  turned 
reformer?  Not  a  reformer  that  comes  forth  declaring  and  waging 
war  upon  all  the  opinions  and  doctrines  of  all  other  men ;  not  a 
reformer  who  comes  forth  with  new  dogmas,  new  versions,  new 


JOHN   KERR.  117 

hymn-books,  new  litanies  and  formulas,  with  all  the  habiliments 
of  a  new  sect — a  new  party,  to  add  to  the  number  of  fiery  combat- 
ants in  the  contests  for  pre-eminence  and  party  fame.  No  !  '0 
my  soul,  come  not  thou  into  their  secret;  unto  their  assembly 
mine  honor  be  not  thou  united.'  I  am  engaged,  I  trust,  in  the 
great  work  of  getting  and  keeping  my  own  heart  right,  in  the 
sight  of  God ;  '  keeping  it  with  all  diligence,  for  out  of  it  are  the 
issues  of  life.'  I  know  if  I  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ  I  am 
none  of  his,  however  orthodox  my  opinions  may  be,  however 
great  my  fame  in  the  church  and  in  the  world." 

The  period  when  he  was  to  resign  his  stewardship  at  length 
arrived.  For  months  before,  free  conversations  with  his  friends, 
on  the  subject  of  death,  were  indulged.  He  assured  them  that 
he  had  no  more  dread  of  dying  than  of  entering  his  chamber, 
undressing  himself,  and  going  to  bed.  The  end  of  his  jour- 
ney was  reached  on  the  29th  of  September,  1842.  Painfully  did 
the  tidings  of  his  decease  come  to  the  ears  of  thousands,  who 
loved  him  as  their  spiritual  father,  counselor,  and  friend.  Suit- 
able services  were  conducted  in  connection  with  his  funeral,  in 
Danville,  by  Rev.  John  L.  Prichard,  the  pastor  of  the  church. 
Subsequently,  in  the  town  of  Yancyville,  a  commemorative  dis- 
course was  delivei'ed  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter.  From  that  discourse 
we  select  the  following  paragraphs,  with  which  to  close  this 
sketch : — 

"My  delineation  of  the  character  of  this  excellent  man  must  be 
brief.  He  was  a  good  man.  His  disposition  was  naturally  frank, 
generous,  and  disinterested.  Incapable  of  artifice  himself,  he  was 
not  always  guarded  against  it  in  others.  His  temperament,  pecu- 
liarly ardent,  sometimes  perverted  his  judgment.  The  same  objects 
appeared  to  him  at  one  time  bright,  and  at  another  dark,  as  they 
were  contemplated  with  excited  or  depressed  feelings.  His  man- 
ners were  uniformly  bland,  lively,  and  conciliating.  In  social  in- 
tercourse he  was  highly  gifted ;  never  failing  to  impart  an  interest 
and  a  charm  to  conversation.  He  was  dignified  without  ostenta- 
tion, and  cheerful  without  levity. 

'"In  his  private  relation,'  says  one  who  knew  him  most  inti- 
mately, '  he  was  one  of  the  most  amiable  men  that  ever  lived  :  a 


118  JOHN   KERR. 

fond,  devoted  husband,  a  doting  parent,  and  a  kind  and  too 
indulgent  master.' 

"Brother  Kerr  was  a  Christian.  He  imbibed  in  a  high  degree 
the  spirit  of  his  Master.  His  piety  was  not  the  stunted  growth 
of  sectarianism — morose,  censorious,  and  persecuting;  but  the 
product  of  enlarged  and  liberal  views — cheerful,  candid,  and  con- 
ciliating. An  unyielding  Baptist,  he  was  remarkably  free  from 
bigotry.  He  was  a  lover  of  good  men  in  every  communion.  To 
his  latest  breath  he  cherished  a  deep  interest  in  the  prosperity 
of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom. 

"As  a  preacher,  Elder  Kerr  possessed  commanding  talents.  A 
fine  person,  a  sonorous  voice,  and  a  graceful  manner,  at  once  pre- 
possessed his  hearers  favorably.  His  apprehension  was  quick,  his 
perception  clear,  and  his  imagination  remarkably  vivid.  He  did 
not  enjoy  in  early  life  the  advantages  of  a  careful  and  thorough 
mental  culture, — a  defect  which  he  never  ceased  to  lament.  He 
had,  however,  read  much,  thought  closely  on  many  subjects,  and 
been  a  careful  observer  of  men  and  things.  Had  his  application 
been  equal  to  his  genius,  the  depth  of  his  judgment  to  the  bril- 
liancy of  his  fancy,  and  his  powers  of  ratiocination  to  his  powers 
of  description,  he  would  have  been  a  preacher  of  rare,  perhaps 
unequaled  talents.  As  it  was,  no  minister  of  his  day  was  more 
popular  in  Virginia.  For  more  than  thirty  years,  he  rarely,  if 
ever,  failed  to  be  appointed  at  Associations  and  other  important 
meetings,  where  he  was  present,  to  preach  on  the  most  responsible 
and  momentous  occasions.  At  such  times,  standing  in  the  open 
air,  and  addressing  large  assemblies,  he  was  on  his  favorite  theatre. 
No  matter  how  wearied  and  disorderly  the  congregation,  he  never 
failed  to  still,  interest,  and  affect  it.  It  was  impossible  not  to 
listen,  and,  listening,  not  to  be  moved.  I  speak  not  in  disparage- 
ment of  any  man,  living  or  dead,  when  I  say,  that  in  popular  and 
effective  declamation  I  have  never  heard  him  excelled — never 
heard  him  equaled.  Under  his  stirring,  and  almost  seraphic 
appeals,  I  have  frequently,  I  judge,  seen  thousands,  at  one  time, 
bathed  in  tears.  His  sermons  were  marked  by  striking  excel- 
lences and  striking  defects.  They  were  interesting  rather  than 
argumentative,  impressive  rather  than  instructive.  But  they 
were  adapted,  in  no  ordinary  degree,  to  usefulness.  Few  minis- 


JOHN    S.  LEE.  119 

ters  have  been  so  successful  in  winning  souls  for  Christ.  Hun- 
dreds, and  I  may  say  without  exaggeration,  thousands,  have  ac- 
knowledged him  as  their  spiritual  father.  In  Virginia  and  in 
North  Carolinia,  multitudes  were  'turned  to  righteousness' through 
his  labors.  Wherever  he  preached,  especially  in  his  latter  years, 
the  blessing  of  God  descended.  Churches  received  from  his  faith- 
ful and  pathetic  appeals  a  fresh  and  mighty  impulse.  The  cause 
of  missions,  of  ministerial  education,  and  of  temperance,  were 
much  indebted  to  his  disinterested  and  vigorous  efforts.  But  his 
ministry  is  closed.  He  has  entered  into  rest.  In  the  resurrec- 
tion morn  he  will,  I  doubt  not,  be  among  the  favored  class, 
prophets  and  apostles,  faithful  ministers  and  martyrs,  who,  having 
turned  '  many  to  righteousness,  shall  shine  as  the  stars,  forever  and 
ever.' " 


JOHN    S.  LEE. 

THE  subject  of  this  sketch  was  a  native  of  Northumberland 
County,  Virginia.  He  was  born  about  the  year  If  80.  When 
quite  a  child,  his  parents  removed  to  Goochland  County,  where 
his  younger  years  were  spent.  In  early  life  his  associations  were 
with  the  Presbyterians,  and  his  predilections  in  their  favor.  He 
was  brought,  under  the  ministry  of  the  Baptists,  to  perceive  his 
true  condition  as  a  sinner,  and  to  recognize  the  necessity  of  an 
interest  in  Christ  Jesus.  His  heart  yielded  a  cordial  compliance 
with  the  claims  of  the  gospel,  and  he  was  baptized,  in  1809,  by 
Rev.  John  Bryce,  uniting  with  the  church  then  worshiping  at 
Perkin's  Meeting-house.  At  this  time  he  was  arranging  to  prose- 
cute the  practice  of  the  law,  but  his  attention  was  at  once  called 
to  the  duty  of  preaching  Christ  to  his  fellow-men.  After  various 
conflicts  of  mind,  he  began  to  address  the  people,  zealously  calling 
upon  them  to  consider  their  eternal  interests. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Puryear,  of  Goochland,  in  the  year 
1808.  This  lady  proved  to  him  a  helpmeet  indeed.  In  1814  he 
removed  to  Lynchburg.  At  this  time  no  Baptist  church  was  in 


120  JOHN   S.  LEE. 

existence  in  the  town.  Not  one  of  the  houses  of  worship  now 
standing  had  then  been  built.  Elder  Lee,  a  merely  licensed 
preacher,  began  to  preach  and  hold  prayer-meetings  in  private 
houses.  A  few  scattered  Baptists,  who  had  moved  into  the  place, 
were  found,  and  induced  to  assemble  themselves  together.  Soon, 
through  his  exertions  and  under  his  direction,  regular  seasons  of 
public  worship  were  established,  and  many  tokens  of  their  Re- 
deemer's presence  were  enjoyed.  Their  hearts  were  knit  together 
in  love,  and  warmly  excited  to  attempt  something  for  the  diffusion 
of  evangelic  truth.  It  was  finally  determined  to  organize  a  Bap- 
tist church.  On  the  30th  of  July,  1815,  a  presbytery  was  invited 
to  attend  for  this  purpose.  Several  ministerial  and  other  brethren 
from  the  surrounding  country  appeared,  among  whom  were 
Elders  John  Anthony,  William  Davis,  William  Harris,  and  Wil- 
liam Duncan.  The  church  was  constituted,  and  at  the  same  time 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  ordained  as  its  pastor.  For  several 
years  he  continued  to  serve  them,  employing  as  much  time  as  pos- 
sible in  ministerial  duties.  For  a  period  the  church  worshiped 
in  the  Court-house  and  at  the  Masonic  Hall,  until,  through  his 
exertions,  a  comfortable  house  of  worship  was  erected. 

Terminating  his  labors  in  Lynchburg,  he  entered  into  the  ser- 
vice of  the  General  Association,  as  their  missionary,  as  early  as  the 
year  1839.  His  labors  were  confined  to  Henry  County  and  the 
adjacent  regions.  Numerous  testimonials  of  fidelity  in  that  work 
are  found  in  the  field  itself.  Feeble  churches  were  sustained  and 
strengthened.  The  first  year  110  days  of  service  are  reported, 
1382  miles  traveled,  and  103  sermons  preached.  Another  year 
he  traveled  into  Patrick,  Floyd,  and  Grayson  Counties,  to  explore 
the  country  and  spread  gospel  light.  In  prosecuting  his  missionary 
labors  he  traveled  more  than  2230  miles,  preached  168  sermons, 
baptized,  and  others  with  him,  on  his  field  of  labor,  33  persons, 
and  assisted  in  constituting  three  churches.  He  circulated  many 
religious  books,  and  exerted  a  useful  influence  in  the  region  in 
which  he  has  preached. 

In  1846  the  Report  of  the  Board  states  :  "Elder  John  S.  Lee 
was  appointed  for  the  whole  year  to  labor  in  Henry  County  and 
its  vicinity.  Henry  County  was,  for  many  years,  the  seat  of  a 
strong  opposition  to  the  missionary  cause.  The  brethren  who 


JOHN   S.  LEE.  121 

took  the  lead  in  the  opposition,  entertained  and  spread  through 
the  county  and  the  surrounding  country  the  most  unreasonable 
prejudices  against  the  friends  of  benevolence  and  their  plans  of 
doing  good. 

"  On  this  unpromising  field  of  labor  Brother  Lee  has  toiled 
with  success.  There  are  now  in  Henry  County  four  churches, 
embracing  many  members,  and  are  increasing. 

"  During  the  past  year  Brother  Lee  has  traveled,  in  the  service 
of  the  Board,  2610  miles;  aided  in  organizing  a  church  at  Floyd 
Court-house,  and  two  in  Franklin;  baptized  twelve  persons; 
regularly  supplied  three  new  churches  in  Henry  County,  and 
visited  a  number  of  destitute  places  He  is  very  much  encou- 
raged. " 

The  following  reference  is  made  in  1847:  "Brother  Lee  has 
been  interrupted  in  his  labors  by  indisposition.  For  a  few  weeks 
he  was  unable  to  prosecute  his  labors  fully,  but  since  his  recovery 
he  has  regularly  pursued  his  work. 

"  On  the  twenty-seventh  of  November  he  gave  up  housekeeping, 
and  has  since  been  more  entirely  devoted  to  the  labors  of  an  evan- 
gelist than  formerly.  His  hopes  of  the  final  triumph  of  truth  over 
error  and  prejudice  are  bright.  The  increasing  light_of  common 
school  education,  the  power  of  gospel  truth  over  Antinomianism, 
and  the  circulation  of  religious  books,  are  dispelling  the  darkness 
which  has  long  veiled  the  minds  of  many  in  the  region  where  he 
labors.  He  has  baptized  four  persons  during  the  year.  Brother 
Lee  has  given  his  attention  more  to  visiting  from  house  to  house, 
to  pray  and  converse  with  his  people,  than  formerly.  This  prac- 
tice cannot  fail  to  do  good." 

In  1850  he  retired  from  the  service,  in  regard  to  which  the 
Board  say:  "Brother  Lee  remarks,  'When  I  first  received  the 
appointment  of  the  Board,  to  labor  in  this  part  of  the  State,  my 
removal  from  Campbell,  where  I  had  the  care  of  four  churches, 
was  attended  with  pecuniary  loss ;  and  now,  after  laboring  six  or 
seven  years,  find  1  have  expended  nearly  all  if  not  more  than  all 
my  regular  salary.  For  two  or  three  years  much  success  attended 
my  labors  here,  but  from  some  cause  little  has  been  lately  done, 
except  a  general  influence  for  good  in  this  community;  and  now  I 
feel  conscientiously  bound  to  withdraw  from  the  service  of  the  Board. ' 

VOL.  II.  11 


122  JOHN  S.  LEE. 

"Injustice  to  Brother  Lee,  it  should  be  stated,  that  since  he 
commenced  his  labors  in  Henry  County,  between  one  and  two 
hundred  have  been  added  to  the  churches,  three  meeting-houses 
erected,  and  six  churches  constituted." 

Elder  Lee  now  entered  upon  a  new  work.  He  removed  to 
Charlotte  County,  and  took  charge  of  churches  which  had  been 
served  by  Abner  W.  Clopton.  Among  those  churches  he  was 
honored  and  loved  as  a  consistent,  evangelical,  and  energetic 
minister  of  the  gospel. 

The  last  two  or  three  years  of  his  life  were  devoted  to  the  col- 
portage  work  in  connection  with  his  ministry.  For  this  position 
he  seems  to  have  been  eminently  fitted.  It  was  an  employment 
he  loved,  and  it  was  prosecuted  with  all  the  freshness  and  ardor 
of  youth.  The  sight  was  exhilarating  as  this  aged  veteran  pur- 
sued his  blessed  mission.  It  is  said  he  could  visit  more  families 
and  distribute  more  books  in  a  day  than  most  young  men. 
Though  seventy-five  years  of  age  he  faltered  not ;  though  suffering 
under  the  influence  of  an  acute  disease,  and  often  weary  and 
feeble,  still  he  pressed  on,  desiring  to  glorify  his  Divine  Master, 
and  seeming  to  feel  the  pressure  of  obligation  the  more  as  he 
approached  nearer  his  heavenly  home. 

The  hour  of  dismission  came.  The  disease  already  alluded  to 
was  cancerous.  He  visited  Murfreesborough,  Tennessee,  and 
placed  himself  under  the  treatment  of  a  physician,  and  returning, 
supposed  himself  cured,  but  finding  some  threatening  symptoms, 
again  visited  Tennessee.  He  was  soon  arrested  by  another  dis- 
ease which  proved  fatal.  It  seemed  sad,  that  she  who  had  shared 
in  all  his  toils  and  trials  through  life,  might  not  soothe  his  last 
hours,  and  that  he  might  not  die  among  his  friends  and  brethren 
at  home.  But  it  was  all  right.  The  Christian  can  say — 

"  Times  of  sickness,  times  of  health, 

Times  of  penury  and  wealth, 
All  shall  come,  and  last,  and  end, 
As  shall  please  my  heavenly  friend." 

Our  brother  was  ready  for  his  end.  His  work  was  done.  He 
had  reached  his  seventy-sixth  year.  Forty-seven  years  had  been 
given  to  the  ministry. 

We  close  this  sketch  with  a  few  words  from  Elder  Daniel  Witt, 


WILLIAM  BRAME.  123 

who  had  long  and  intimately  known  him:  "I  speak  tliejananimous 
opinion,  I  doubt  not,  of  the  many  friends  he  has  left  behind  him, 
when  I  say,  that  he  was  a  man  of  deep,  intelligent,  ardent  piety ; 
of  unbending  integrity;  of  uncommon  faithfulness;  an  able  and 
indefatigable  minister ;  a  true  and  affectionate  husband ;  a  con- 
stant and  unchanging  friend ;  a  useful  member  of  society  in  all  his 
relations ;  a  man  without  guile,  and  above  reproach.  But  why 
should  I  thus  speak  of  one  who  has  passed  into  the  Divine  pre- 
sence, and  heard  the  blessed  words,  'Well  done,  good  and  faith- 
ful servant  ?'  His  witness  is  in  heaven,  his  record  is  on  high. 
Brother,  farewell  I  A  few  more  fleeting  moments,  and  we  meet 
again." 


WILLIAM    BRAME. 

IN  another  part  of  this  work  the  character  and  labors  of 
Samuel  Brame  were  sketched.  It  is  pleasant  to  record  the  fact 
that  the  same  maternal  influence  was  successfully  realized  in  the 
conversion  of  his  brother,  WILLIAM  BRAME.  Though  not  equally 
gifted  with  Samuel,  he  was,  perhaps,  more  extensively  useful.  He 
entered  the  ministry  in  early  life,  and,  as  if  he  were  conscious  that 
his  mission  would  not  be  continued  to  old  age,  he  seemed  intent 
upon  the  exercise  of  the  largest  and  best  influence  within  the 
shortest  time.  His  exertions  were  most  indefatigable.  He  tra- 
veled extensively,  as  a  preacher,  not  only  in  Virginia,  but  in  other 
States.  The  Dover  Association,  in  a  minute  concerning  him, 
states,  that  his  "labors  in  the  gospel  as  a  minister  and  servant  of 
the  churches,  have  been  more  extensive  than  those  of  any  other 
minister  in  our  Association."  In  fact,  in  his  death  we  have  lost 
a  link  by  which  we  were  connected  with  a  number  of  churches 
and  Associations,  not  only  in  our  own,  but  in  other  States  of  our 
union. 

This  is  saying  much  for  the  zeal,  industry,  and  perseverance  of 
this  evangelist.  Wherever  he  went,  he  made  himself  welcome 
among  the  pious,  by  his  courteous,  amiable  manners,  and  his 
whole-hearted  consecration  to  the  Lord's  work. 


124  GEORGE  PATTERSON. 

On  the  twenty-second  of  November,  1814,  after  a  lingering  ill- 
ness, in  which  "he  exemplified  the  piety  and  patience  of  the 
Christian,  he  closed  his  own  eyes,  clasped  his  hands,  raised  hia 
voice,  saying :-' Come,  Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly,'  and  then,  with- 
out a  sigh  or  groan,  he  passed  away  to  a  better  world." 


GEORGE    PATTERSON".* 

THAT  portion  of  the  life  of  this  estimable  man  included  in  this 
brief  memoir  is  short  but  reliable,  and  maybe  justly  considered  an 
important  book  in  the  religious  history  of  those  times.  Of  his 
previous  history  the  writer  knows  nothing  certainly;  but  thinks 
he  was  by  birth  a  Scotchman,  brought  to  this  country  when  young, 
and  trained  in  early  life  to  the  business  of  a  ship-carpenter  in  the 
City  of  Philadelphia.  He  subsequently  married  in  the  Northern 
Neck  of  Virginia,  where  he  lived,  preached,  and  probably  died 
and  was  buried.  He  certainly  was  the  first  pastor  of  the  Cum- 
berland Street  Baptist  Church  in  Norfolk,  and  entered  that  ser- 
vice at  the  time  of  her  constitution,  soon  after  the  close  of  the  war 
of  1812—15.  It  was  in  this  service  that  he  gained  and  never  for- 
feited the  grateful  remembrance  that  produces  this  humble  tribute 
to  his  honored,  much  loved,  never-to-be-forgotten  name. 

Deacon  William  M.  Fauquier,  on  a  visit  in  those  troublous 
times,  to  bring,  from  Philadelphia  to  Norfolk,  supplies  for  his 
medical  store,  by  wagon  conveyance,  (the  coasting  trade  being  all 
suspended,)  enjoyed  the  hospitality  of  the  beloved  Staughton, 
then  pastor  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Sansom  Street,  in  the  former 
city.  There  he  became  acquainted  with  Somers,  ever  since  and 
now  of  New  York,  and  with  other  young  brethren,  who  were 
receiving  such  ministerial  education  with  Staughton  in  the  North, 
as  was  afforded  to  others  in  the  South  by  our  Furmans  and 
Brantleys, — Virginia  being,  according  to  her  custom,  rather  in- 
clined to  be  guided  than  guiding.  Among  these  young  brethren 

*  By  Rev.  H.  Keeling. 


GEORGE   PATTERSON.  125 

was  Patterson,  who,  by  personal  negotiation  between  them,  agreed 
with  Fauquier,  when  his  studies  should  close,  to  visit  Norfolk  and 
labor  there.  Fauquier  pledged  himself  for  his  support,  and  em- 
barked his  fortune  and  heart  in  a  house  for  the  worship  of  God. 

Patterson  was  ordained  by  Staughton  and  White,  who  made  a 
voyage  to  Norfolk  for  that  purpose ;  and  a  voyage  it  was,  for  it 
was  by  sail-packet,  through  days  and  nights,  on  the  ocean.  There 
those  gentlemen  remained  many  days,  preaching  much  and  long 
with  great  acceptance.  The  ordination  occurred  on  Lord's  day 
morning,  before  a  vast  assembly,  in  the  large  new  Christ's  Church 
of  the  Episcopalians,  courteously  tendered  by  their  vestry, — the 
old  Episcopal  Church,  itself  not  small,  of  revolutionary  history,  then 
occupied  by  the  Baptists  as  their  own  property,  being  insufficient 
for  the  crowd  anticipated  on  so  great  an  occasion.  The  whole 
town  of  Norfolk,  and  that  of  Portsmouth  and  the  adjacent  regions, 
were  profoundly  interested. 

Until  this  time  the  prospects  of  the  Baptists  in  Norfolk  had 
been  anything  but  promising.  The  wealth  and  influence  of  the 
place  had  from  the  beginning  been  chiefly  in  the  hands  of  Eng- 
lishmen, Scotchmen,  Continental  Europeans,  and  West  Indians, 
all  of  whom  were  Episcopalians,  Presbyterians,  or  Catholics. 
Hence  the  Baptist  membership  was  small,  poor,  and  mostly  colored. 
The  church  itself  was  a  branch  or  arm  of  the  Portsmouth,  with  no 
resident  pastor.  It  is  not  probable,  therefore,  that  things  would 
be  guided  in  the  best  or  wisest  manner ;  nor  was  any  mishap  likely 
to  be  too  favorably  interpreted,  either  by  their  Pedobaptist  friends, 
or  by  that  public  mind  of  which  they  had  the  control  in  matters  of 
religion.  Nor  could  this  condition  of  things  be  changed  without 
a  great  and  a  long  struggle,  or  by  some  remarkable  occurrence  in 
the  providence  of  God.  This  occurrence  presented  itself  in  the 
visit  of  men  of  so  overwhelming  a  popularity,  and  to  this  brilliant 
introduction,  as  much  as  to  the  talents  or  deeds  of  Patterson,  we 
are  possibly  indebted,  as  the  instrument  of  a  change  which  from 
that  day  to  this  has  been  ever  advancing  with  increasing  good. 

But  his  entrance  at  such  a  time,  on  such  a  service,  was  a  priori 
evidence  of  his  great  moral  worth.  In  his  short  career  in  that 
town  he  was  eminently  useful.  Ho  talked  to  us  about  our  souls — . 
and  that  wherever  he  found  us,  even  in  the  streets.  In  the  course 


126  GEORGE   PATTERSON. 

of  the  year  he  baptized  some  forty  persons,  of  excellent  material, 
among  whom  were  a  band  of  ladies,  who,  during  life,  (and  some 
of  them  yet  remain,)  continued  pillars  in  that  church,  which  from 
the  beginning  to  this  clay  (1859)  has  always  been  a  burning  and 
shining  light.  Enthroned  in  the  respects  and  affections  of  the 
writer  will  always  be  the  Fauquiers,  Charnberlaines,  Mallorys, 
Fiveashes,  Wrights,  Langleys,  Calverts,  Bushes,  Summerses, 
Coxes,  Barrons,  Andersons,  and  others  of  that  time;  and  of  the 
Pendreds,  Hendrens,  Steveneses,  and  Keys,  and  others  of  the 
generation  that  had  preceded  them. 

In  the  fall  of  1816,  on  a  baptismal  occasion  at  Brig's  Point, 
among  the  candidates  were  three  young  men,  for  two  of  whom, 
then  considered,  and  justly,  of  great  promise,  God  had  in  reserve 
greater  things  at  a  period  earlier  than  we  all  apprehended.  The 
third  remains  to  bear  this  humble  testimony.  Charlton,  Seymour 
P.,  brother  of  the  Rev.  George  W.  Charlton,  of  the  Methodist 
Church  in  Petersburg,  was,  in  the  morn  of  his  ministerial  life,  cut 
down  as  a  flower,  by  a  typhoid  fever,  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Barlow 
Cornick,  in  Princess  Ann.  He  was  buried  under  the  present 
vestry  of  the  Cumberland  Street  Church.  Fiveash,  Benjamin, 
also  a  licentiate,  at  the  instance  of  Rev.  Luther  Rice  repaired  to 
Georgia,  where  he  was  classmate  with  the  present  venerable  Dr. 
Manly,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Elder  Brantly.  Swept  off  by 
the  same  fever,  his  ashes  repose  on  the  sand-hills  in  the  vicinity 
of  Augusta.  The  other,  H.  K.,  the  writer,  after  a  long  and  tem- 
pestuous voyage,  is  hoping  soon  to  renew  with  them  that  friend- 
ship then  formed,  liable  to  be,  and  actually  interrupted,  but  never 
possible  to  be  broken. 

To  see  with  one's  own  eyes  how  great  effects  proceed  from 
little  causes,  one  must  live  for  some  decades  of  years,  perhaps 
ialf  a  century.  The  oak  whose  branches  tower  to  the  clouds,  its 
root  taking  fast  hold  in  the  soil  beneath,  was  once  an  acorn — but 
not  yesterday.  Few  events,  perhaps,  in  the  past  history  of  that  vener- 
able borough,  (now  city,)  were  more  pregnant  with  great  issues 
than  the  arrival  of  that  packet  that  brought  Patterson  to  her 
wharf.  An  hour  before  sunset,  enters  his  counting-room  with  agi- 
tation, journal  under  his  arm,  George  Wilson,  Esq.,  an  honorable 
and  distinguished  merchant,  saying  to  his  clerk,  close  the  office 


WILLIAM   BLAIR.  12f 

Mr.  K.,  Dr.  Staughton  has  arrived,  and  will  preach  to-niglit. 
Mr.  W.  was  an  Episcopalian.  We  obeyed.  Happy  they  who 
could  get  stand-points  within  the  gates,  much  less  seats  within 
the  house !  And  certainly  God  guided  in  the  selection  of  that 
text.  Oh  what  words  of  comfort  to  the  half  a  dozen  whites,  who 
had  sat  so  long  in  front  of  that  pulpit,  surrounded  by  250  colored 
members  !  "  I  am  the  Lord,  I  change  not :  therefore,  ye  sonsof  Jacob 
are  not  consumed."  The  soothing  tones  of  that  night  bedew  our 
cheeks  to-day ;  nor  have  the  thunders  of  its  close  ceased  to  rever- 
berate in  our  ears,  and  to  thrill  our  inmost  soul.  And  the  next 
day,  "All  we,  with  open  face,  beholding,  as  in  a  glass,  the  glory 
of  the  Lord,  are  changed  into  the  same  image,  from  glory  to 
glory:  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord." 

And  that  band  of  pious  ladies,  mothers  and  daughters  in  Israel  I 
For  a  third  of  a  century  did  the  smoke  of  the  incense  of  their 
social  prayers  ascend  to  the  throne  of  the  Majesty  on  high. 
Hence  in  part,  also,  the  success  of  Howell,  and  Davis,  and  Good- 
all,  and  Jones,  and  Winston,  and  others,  the  bottom  round  of  the 
ladder  of  which  is  the  beloved  Patterson.  But  our  limit  is  out. 


WILLIAM  BLAIR. 

WILLIAM  BLAIR  was  born  in  Pittsylvania  County,  Virginia,  in 
the  year  1781.  It  has  not  been  in  our  power  to  procure  any  facts 
concerning  his  early  life.  In  May,  1801,  he  intermarried  with 
Miss  Thomas ;  about  two  years  after,  became  the  subject  of 
conversion,  and,  according  to  a  statement  of  his  brother,  united 
with  Strawberry  Baptist  Church.  He  entered  the  ministry  very 
soon  after.  His  brother  states,  "  He  was  licensed  the  same 
year  of  his  baptism,  and  was  ordained,  I  think,  in  1804;  was 
for  some  time  pastor  of  Strawberry  Church,  and  soon  received  a 
call  to  serve  other  churches."  He  labored  in  this  relation,  and 
with  some  of  them  to  the  time  of  his  death,  for  Kentuck,  Upper 
Banister,  Sandy  Creek,  and  Mill  Churches.  In  these  churches  he 


128  WILLIAM   BLAIR. 

was  a  faithful  laborer.  In  1810,  Semple  says  of  him,  with  reference 
to  Upper  Banister  Church  :  "  William  Blair,  their  present  pastor, 
is  a  preacher  that  holds  fast  the  faithful  word,  as  he  has  been 
taught.  He  has  already  done  much  good ;  and,  being  in  the  vigor 
of  life,  bids  fair  to  do  much  more." 

In  addition  to  these  pastoral  duties,  Elder  Blair  performed 
valuable  service  as  an  evangelist.  Tours  were  taken  among  the 
adjacent  counties  of  Henry,  Bedford,  Halifax,  Charlotte,  and 
Mecklenburg,  in  Virginia ;  of  Person,  Caswell,  and  others,  in 
North  Carolina.  It  was  in  one  of  these  excursions  that  the 
writer,  when  quite  a  boy,  heard  him  for  the  only  time.  The  bold, 
commanding  figure,  and  the  loud,  sonorous  voice,  are  well  remem- 
bered. The  impression  made  upon  the  mind  was,  that  the  speaker 
was  honest  in  a  sacred  cause  ;  that,  feeling  the  deep  solemnity  of  Ins 
position  as  a  proclaimer  of  the  "  good  news,"  he  poured  forth  in 
earnest  strains  the  calls  and  invitations  of  the  Saviour  he  loved. 
He  seemed  to  be  more  inclined  to  address  the  unconverted,  teach- 
ing and  warning  them,  than  to  expound  the  doctrines  of  the 
Bible.  His  sentiments  were  moderately  Calvinistic  ;  the  com- 
mands of  the  gospel  he  regarded  as  binding  on  all  men,  and  thus 
he  constantly  called  upon  all  men  everywhere  to  repent. 

During  the  discussions  which  took  place  in  the  Roanoke  Asso- 
ciation relative  to  the  plans  of  the  General  Association,  he  unfor- 
tunately took  part  with  the  anti-mission  party,  thus  placing  him- 
self in  a  seeming  antagonism  to  all  our  benevolent  movements.  In  a 
declaration  made  in  1831  by  the  Pig  River  Association,  the  motives 
and  objects  of  the  friends  of  the  General  Association  were  impugned. 
Mr.  Blair  seems  to  have  been  present  at  the  time  this  declaration 
was  adopted,  and  his  name  was  identified  with  the  movement. 
A  painful  and  rather  prolonged  controversy  occurred,  in  which 
several  not  opposed  to  missions  took  ground  against  the  General 
Association.  The  ground  thus  occupied  was  not  tenable.  But 
the  effect  of  this  discussion  was  unhappy  in  several  respects,  par- 
ticularly in  alienating  somewhat  those  who  before  had  been  united. 
In  consequence  of  this  controversy  various  reports  prejudicial  to 
Elder  Blair  were  circulated.  A  committee  was  appointed  by  the 
Roanoke  Association,  at  its  meeting  in  1834,  to  consider  these 
reports.  This  committee  reported  : — 


WILLIAM   BLAIR.  129 

"  The  said  "William  Blair,  a  member,  and  the  pastor  of  Upper 
Banister  Church,  is  in  good  standing,  and  full  fellowship  in  this 
Association ;  that  he  has  for  a  number  of  years  been  a  preacher 
of  the  gospel,  and  has  uniformly  sustained  a  fair  reputation  among 
us  as  a  minister.  We  do  further  certify,  that  in  his  doctrinal  sen- 
timents we  think  him  equally  removed  from  the  principles  of  Ar- 
minianism  and  Antinomianism.  In  his  preaching  he  is  very  prac- 
tical, insisting  on,  and  enforcing  the  necessity  of  good  works,  as 
an  evidence  of  faith  in  Christ." 

Mr.  Blair  did  not  adopt  the  sentiments  of  the  anti-mission 
party.  He  was  far  removed  from  those  peculiarities  of  the  party 
which  prevent  the  preacher  from  pressing  the  claims  of  the  gospel 
upon  sinners.  He  was  a  friend  to  the  missionary  enterprise, 
though,  by  misapprehension  of  its  plans,  he  took  action  against 
the  General  Association.  His  surviving  brother  says  concerning 
this  matter :  "  He  was  a  member  of  the  Roanoke  Missionary  So- 
ciety, constituted  in  1813  or  1814.  Appointed  by  that  society, 
together  with  Elders  Jenkins,  McGehee,  and  Brittain,  as  collect- 
ing agents,  the  minutes  show  that  he  collected  nearly  one  hundred 
dollars  outside  of  the  society.  He  thought  the  Home  Mission  was 
badly  managed ;  but  the  last  time  we  conversed  on  the  subject,  he 
told  me  the  Foreign  Mission  and  the  Bible  Society  were  always 
dear  to  his  heart.  So  they  were  as  long  as  he  lived." 

As  expressive  of  his  general  sentiments  on  the  plan  of  salvation 
and  the  sanctifying  effects  of  faith,  he  thus  writes :  "  True  faith 
always  puts  the  crown  upon  the  Saviour's  head,  and  is  willing 
that  he  should  have  all  the  glory.  We  need  not  expect  the  be- 
liever in  Jesus  to  be  caviling  at  the  doctrines  of  grace,  or  com- 
plaining of  the  sovereignty  of  God  in  the  salvation  of  sinners.  A 
view  of  Christ  in  his  infinite  merits,  and  the  sinner's  poverty  and 
wretchedness,  humbles  him  in  the  dust,  and  he  cries,  why  such 
amazing  mercy  bestowed  on  one  so  vile  ? — 

'Why  was  I  made  to  hear  thy  voice, 

And  enter  while  there's  room, 
When  thousands  make  a  wretched  choice, 
And  rather  starve  than  come?' 

"True  faith  is  productive  of  gospel  obedience.  The  inquiry  of 
converted  Saul  was,  Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?  and 

VOL.  II. — I 


130  WILLIAM   BLAIR. 

when  Ananias  went  In,  put  his  hands  on  him,  and  he  received 
sight,  he  arose,  and  was  baptized.  The  three  thousand  converted 
on  the  Day  of  Pentecost  were  immediately  baptized,  and  continued 
steadfast  in  the  Apostle's  doctrine,  and  in  fellowship,  and  in 
breaking  of  bread,  and  in  prayers.  True  faith  receives  Christ  in 
all  his  sanctifying  influences,  and  as  such  teaches  that  we  should 
live  soberly,  righteously,  and  godly  in  the  present  world.  In  vain 
do  we  call  Christ,  Lord,  if  we  do  not  endeavor  to  obey  him. 
Not  every  one  that  saith,  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom 
of  heaven,  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in 
heaven." 

Mr.  Blair's  health  was  feeble  for  some  time  before  his  death. 
He  had  a  presentiment  of  the  precise  time  of  his  departure  in  a 
dream,  some  three  or  four  months  before  it  occurred,  and  often 
spoke  of  it  to  his  friends.  Being  called  upon  to  preach  in  Cas- 
well  County  the  week  before  his  death,  he  said  to  his  son,  that  if 
his  dream  were  fulfilled,  he  would  die  the  next  Thursday.  On 
Saturday,  having  preached,  he  returned  to  the  residence  of  his  son, 
and  that  night  was  so  unwell  as  to  require  the  advice  of  a  phy- 
sician. The  doctor  was  appealed  to  by  him  as  to  his  real  con- 
dition. He  said,  "I  am  not  afraid  to  die,  but  I  wish  to  know 
your  opinion  candidly  expressed."  The  doctor  informed  him  that 
his  physical  powers  were  worn  out,  and  that  he  would  probably  not 
live.  He  continued  to  decline,  and  died  the  very  day  he  referred 
to  as  indicated  in  his  dream,  in  the  latter  part  of  1840. 

He  was  buried  near  Kentuck  Meeting-house.  His  funeral  was 
attended,  according  to  his  request,  by  Elders  Griffith,  Dickenson, 
and  John  Kerr.  An  immense  congregation  were  gathered  together 
on  the  occasion. 

Thus  passed  away  one  who  had  most  laboriously  employed  his 
powers  in  the  Redeemer's  cause.  He  had  presided  frequently  at 
the  meetings  of  the  Roanoke  Association,  and  thus  was  much 
honored  by  his  brethren.  Nor  was  he  less  loved.  All  who  knew 
him  well,  tenderly  regarded  him. 


JAMES  GILBERT.  131 


JAMES    GILBERT. 

JAMES  GILBERT  was  for  several  years  one  of  the  most  faithful 
standard-bearers  of  the  Baptist  ministry  of  Southeastern  Virginia. 
He  was  born  in  1787,  on  Walker's  Creek,  Giles  County,  Virginia. 
Concerning  his.  early  youth  nothing  is  known,  excepting  his  early 
removal  to  the  County  of  Lee.  There,  in  his  twenty-eighth 
year,  his  attention  was  fixed  on  spiritual  things,  and  he  became 
an  avowed  disciple  of  Christ  by  uniting  with  the  Thompson's 
Settlement  Church.  It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  he  was  the  last 
person  but  one  baptized  by  Elder  Andrew  Baker.  This  venerable 
man,  who  had  fought  many  battles  in  his  Master's  service,  and 
who  was  so  soon  to  be  called  away  from  his  work,  remarked,  as 
he  raised  the  candidate  from  the  water,  "I  have  baptized  a 
preacher." 

This  prediction  was  fulfilled,  but  not  immediately.  His  mind 
was  the  subject  of  much  inquietude  on  the  question  of  duty  re- 
specting the  ministerial  functions.  This  question  was  at  length 
decided,  the  church  with  which  he  had  become  affiliated  giving 
him  a  license  in  July,  1822.  In  about  a  year  subsequently,  it 
was  deemed  proper  to  call  him  to  ordination.  This  took  place 
at  Thompson's  Settlement  Church.  The  first  sermon  preached 
by  him  was  founded  on  Rev.  vi.  It.  "For  the  great  day  of 
his  wrath  is  come,  and  who  shall  be  able  to  stand  ?" 

For  something  like  ten  years  Elder  Gilbert  engaged  with  cha- 
racteristic zeal  and  fidelity  in  preaching  the  gospel  in  the  counties 
of  Southeastern  Virginia.  Having  exercised  a  blessed  influence 
among  the  churches  of  this  region,  it  was  reserved  for  him  to  be 
still  more  useful  in  a  new  field.  He  removed  to  Mulberry  Gap, 
Tennessee,  in  1832,  and  here,  in  this  new  country,  comparatively 
sparse  in  its  population,  he  patiently  toiled  until  it  became  his 
privilege  to  see  numerous  churches  rising  up  mainly  as  the  result 
of  his  instrumentality.  In  1843  the  Mulberry  Gap  Association 
was  organized.  Of  this  body  he  may  be  properly  considered  the 
father.  It  now  contains  thirty-two  churches,  some  of  which  are 
large  and  flourishing.  Up  to  the  year  1853  he  was  regularly 


132  JAMES   GILBERT. 

chosen  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Association,  and,  as  such, 
commanded  the  respect  of  his  brethren.  The  church  at  Mulberry 
Gap,  of  which  he  was  the  efficient  pastor,  rose  to  a  condition  of 
marked  efficiency,  being  the  largest  in  the  Association. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  took  a  noble  part  in  defence  of  the 
missionary  enterprise  at  the  time  when  some  of  the  churches  and 
ministers  took  ground  against  it.  He  entertained  enlarged  views 
of  Christian  duty.  Because  salvation  is  of  grace  he  could  not, 
therefore,  conclude  that  the  use  of  appropriate  means  in  the  send- 
ing out  of  Christ's  gospel  was  wrong  or  unnecessary.  He  regarded 
such  instrumentality  as  a  solemn  duty,  and  was  unwilling  to  be 
found  a  loiterer  in  his  Master's  vineyard.  He  suffered  much 
opposition  and  reproach  from  the  anti-mission  party  on  this 
account. 

"As  a  speaker,"  says  one  who  knew  something  of  his  influence, 
"he  was  ardent  and  earnest,  yet  meek  and  calm.  His  speech, 
though  plain,  was  always  with  grace,  seasoned  with  salt.  There 
was  fire,  holy  fire  in  his  eye  and  in  his  head,  and  much  unction  in 
his  matter  and  manner.  He  was  a  true,  God-made  man.  As  a 
theologian  he  was  neither  a  hard-shell  nor  a  soft-shell,  iron-jacket 
nor  blue-jacket,  high  nor  low — not  lop-sided  in  any  way,  but  a 
true  gospel  spiritualist." 

The  above  description,  in  style  quaint  and  singular,  expresses 
the  idea  of  a  man  who,  while  he  is  not  subject  to  extremes,  is  still 
devoted  and  earnest.  Would  that  we  had  many  more  such  men ; 
men  who  hold  the  truth,  but  who  hold  it  not  in  unrighteousness! 

Elder  Gilbert  continued  to  proclaim  the  Redeemer's  love,  and 
to  hold  him  forth  as  the  only  way  of  life,  until  disabled  by  disease 
and  the  infirmities  of  age.  As  late  as  February,  1858,  he  was 
engaged  with  others  in  conducting  a  meeting  at  Sneedville.  This 
was  a  field  in  which  he  had  operated  with  marked  success. 
Returning  among  this  people,  he  seemed  to  have  all  the  feelings 
of  his  heart  drawn  out  in  anxious  concern  for  their  salvation.  He 
was  then  exceedingly  feeble,  and  yet  he  toiled  on;  when  the 
other  ministers  were  called  away  he  continued,  tasking  his  powers 
to  the  utmost  in  the  work.  He  labored  night  and  day,  and  with 
large  success.  This  was  the  last  effort  of  his  life.  A  little  before 
his  death,  and  the  last  sermon  he  preached,  was  from  the  thirty- 


WILLIAM   LEFTWICH.  133 

Beventh  Psalm :  "  Many  are  the  afflictions  of  the  righteous,  but 
the  Lord  delivereth  him  out  of  them  all." 

His  death  was  triumphant.  Being  questioned  by  his  son 
Thomas  as  to  the  state  of  his  mind,  his  replies  indicated  a  joyous 
confidence  in  God  his  Saviour.  "  How  are  you  affected  as  you 
come  near  to  death  ?"  said  his  son  to  him.  "Are  you  satisfied 
that  you  have  been  teaching,  as  a  Baptist  minister,  the  truths  of 
the  Bible?"  He  replied,  "I  know  I  have;  I  know  I  have."  He 
then  gave  Thomas,  himself  a  preacher,  his  Bible,  and  said,  "Take 
this;  stand  firm  ;  preach  the  Word  faithfully."  The  brother  who 
refers  to  his  memory  in  the  minutes  of  the  Association,  says  :  "  He 
met  death  in  serene  triumph,  with  the  air  of  a  winner  nearing  the 
goal.  Never  was  it  more  truly  and  touchingly  seen,  that 

'  The  chamber  where  the  good  man  meets  his  fate 
Is  privileged  beyond  the  common  walk; 
Quite  near  the  verge  of  heaven.'  " 

His  death  was  lamented  by  a  large  circle  of  friends.  He  had, 
during  his  ministry,  baptized  about  two  thousand  persons  into  the 
fellowship  of  the  gospel.  What  a  host!  How  glorious  that  day 
when  he  shall  meet  and  recognize  the  saved  of  the  Lord  among 
them! 


WILLIAM    LEFTWICH.* 

WILLIAM  LEPTWICH  was  born  in  Bedford  County,  of  highly 
respectable  parents,  March  10th,  1768.  His  early  years  were 
passed  amid  the  stirring  scenes  of  the  revolutionary  war,  in  what 
was  then  a  frontier  settlement.  At  that  period  were  formed  those 
habits  of  self-control  and  activity  for  which,  throughout  life,  he 
was  distinguished.  He  received  such  education  as  was  common 
in  that  day  in  this  remote  and  sparsely  peopled  country,  consist- 
ing merely  in  the  elements  of  English  literature  and  arithmetic. 

*  By  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter. 
VOL.  II.  12 


134  WILLIAM   LEFTWICH. 

Of  the  early  training  of  this  youth,  destined  to  lead  a  life  so 
honorable,  so  pious,  and  so  useful,  we  have  no  information. 
Judging  merely  by  the  luxuriance  of  the  fruit,  we  should  infer 
that  the  culture  was  good. 

In  his  twenty-first  year,  Mr.  Leftwich  was  happily  married  to 
Miss  Frances  Otey,  a  lady  of  this  county,  of  most  reputable  con- 
nections, with  whom  he  lived  more  than  thirty- seven  years,  and 
by  whom  he  was  blessed  with  a  numerous  and  promising  offspring. 
A  proof  of  the  high  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  by  his 
fellow-citizens  is  the  fact  that  he  was  selected,  while  quite  a  young 
man,  to  represent  this  large  and  respectable  county  in  the  General 
Assembly. 

About  the  year  1800,  Captain  Leftwich,  being  then  in  the 
maturity  and  vigor  of  life,  made  a  public  confession  of  his  attach- 
ment to  the  cause  of  Christ.  He  connected  himself  first  with  the 
Presbyterian  church ;  but  soon  became  dissatisfied  with  the  views 
entertained  in  that  communion  on  the  subject  of  baptism.  He 
freely  communicated  his  doubts  to  the  pastors  of  the  church  ;  and 
they,  being  men  of  abilities,  earnestly  endeavored  to  remove 
them ;  but  their  labor  was  in  vain.  Light  gradually  dawned  on 
his  path,  and  at  length  clearly  discerning  it,  without  conferring 
with  flesh  and  blood — regardless  of  early  prejudices  and  cherished 
associations — he  resolved  to  walk  in  it. 

Many  persons,  I  know,  look  on  all  religious  changes  with  sus- 
picion, if  not  with  disapprobation  and  contempt.  In  these  senti- 
ments the  ancient  Pharisees  most  deeply  sympathized.  They 
scorned  to  renounce  the  traditions  of  their  fathers  for  the  doctrine 
of  Christ,  confirmed  as  it  was  by  undeniable  miracles.  They  were 
consistent,  but  perversely  consistent  to  their  own  destruction.  A 
change  of  religious  profession  from  fickleness,  love  of  popularity, 
self-interest,  or  the  persuasion  of  friends,  cannot  be  too  strongly 
condemned;  it  marks  a  weak  mind,  or  a  corrupt  heart.  But 
change  is  incident  to  the  state  of  man — an  attribute  of  fallibility. 
To  sacrifice  prejudices  on  the  altar  of  truth ;  to  follow  the  guid- 
ance of  Divine  light  at  whatever  loss  of  friends  or  property;  to 
change  a  religious  profession,  and  sever  religious  associations  at 
the  bidding  of  duty, — these  are  marks  of  an  honest  and  noble 
mind.  And  such  a  mind  had  Paul,  by  birth  a  Jew,  by  profession 


WILLIAM   LBFTWICH.  135 

a  Pharisee,  and  in  spirit  an  intolerant  bigot ;  but  who,  by  grace, 
became  a  Christian,  an  apostle,  a  martyr. 

In  1803  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  baptized  by  Elder  Joel 
Preston,  for  many  years  an  active  and  respected  pastor  in  the 
southwestern  part  of  this  county.  In  the  following  year  he  was 
ordained  to  the  work  of  the  Christian  ministry.  His  preparation 
for  the  important  service  consisted  in  a  firm  conviction  of  the 
truth  of  the  gospel ;  a  deep  experience  of  its  power  to  subdue 
and  purify  the  heart ;  a  fervent  desire  for  the  salvation  of  sinners, 
and  the  promotion  of  Christ's  glory;  and  such  a  measure  of 
scriptural  knowledge,  as,  amid  many  secular  engagements,  he 
had,  by  an  attentive  perusal  of  the  English  Bible,  and  a  few  evan- 
gelical volumes,  been  able  to  acquire.  Let  not  the  preacher,  rich 
in  literary  and  theological  lore,  despise  these  humble  attainments. 
None  deplored  more  sincerely  the  lack  of  education,  and  none 
would  have  profited  more  richly  by  its  advantages,  than  our  vene- 
rated brother.  The  practical  question  which  he  was  called  to 
decide  was,  whether  he  should  preach  without  a  liberal  education 
or  not  at  all;  whether  the  people  should  have  an  uneducated 
ministry  or  no  ministry.  And  who  will  affirm  that  he  did  not 
decide  wisely  ? 

In  1806  Elder  Leftwich  accepted  the  pastorate  of  the  Goose 
Creek  Baptist  Church,  which  office  he  filled  for  more  than  twenty 
years.  He  was  also  for  many  years  pastor  of  the  Difficult  Creek 
and  the  Timber  Ridge  Baptist  Churches,  with  the  latter  of  which 
he  continued  the  relation  to  the  close  of  life.  He  performed  the 
duties  of  the  pastorate  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his  flocks  and 
the  acceptance  of  the  whole  community.  The  extent  of  his  use- 
fulness in  the  Christian  ministry  we  have  no  means  of  estimating 
— eternity  will  disclose  it.  The  churches  under  his  charge  were 
generally  peaceful  and  prosperous ;  and  they  enjoyed  many  inte- 
resting and  profitable  revivals.  Many  in  the  day  of  judgment 
will  joyfully  acknowledge  him  as  their  spiritual  Father,  and  guide, 
and  comforter. 

Elder  Leftwich,  as  might  be  supposed,  in  the  course  of  a  long 
life,  passed  through  many  and  trying  changes.  The  generation 
with  which  he  commenced  his  journey  preceded  him  to  the  tomb. 
His  second  wife,  Miss  Mary  Fuqua,  an  estimable  lady,  he  married 


136  WILLIAM   LEFTWICH. 

in  1826,  and  buried  in  1838.  His  third  wife,  Miss  Catharine  B. 
Grier,  of  Franklin  County,  still  lives  to  deplore  his  death  and 
claim  our  sympathies. 

The  time  now  approached  for  the  dismission  of  this  faithful 
servant  from  his  toils,  cares,  and  sorrows.  By  reason  of  strength 
he  had  attained  to  fourscore  years;  but  his  days  were  almost 
numbered.  God,  who  had  so  long  guided  and  blessed  him,  was 
preparing  him  for  a  happy  departure.  To  some  of  his  family  he 
declared,  a  short  time  before  he  was  attacked  by  his  mortal  malady, 
that  he  had  not  for  several  years  enjoyed  so  richly  the  consola- 
tions of  religion. 

The  closing  scenes  in  the  life  of  this  good  man  may  best  be 
furnished  by  an  eye-witness.  "Immediately,"  he  says,  "after  he 
was  confined  to  his  bed,  I  went  to  his  house,  and  remained  with 
him  nearly  all  the  time  he  lived.  I  frequently  spoke  to  him  on 
the  near  approach  and  certainty  of  death,  and  he  always  appeared 
calm  and  resigned ;  and  often  alluding  to  the  subject  himself,  would 
say:  'I  have  no  fears  of  death  ;  for  Jesus  can  make  a  dying-bed 
feel  soft  as  downy  pillows  are !'  He  retained  his  senses  to  the 
last,  and  showed  a  disposition  to  attend  to  the  minutest  business 
to  which  he  had  been  accustomed  to  attend. 

"Just  before  he  breathed  his  last,  he  felt  his  own  pulse,  and 
appeared  to  suffer  much,  upon  which  I  said  to  him  :  '  The  con- 
flict will  soon  be  over — I  hope  you  have  no  fears.'  He  replied: 
'How  can  I  sink  with  such  a  prop  as  my  eternal  God  ?'  Again,  I 
manifested  solicitude  as  to  the  state  of  his  mind,  and  he  said : 
'The  Lord  is  my  rod  and  my  staff;  oh  that  I  could  speak!' 
After  this,  I  do  not  recollect  that  he  spoke  any  more,  but  con- 
tinued to  give  signs,  by  the  motion  of  his  head,  that  he  knew  what 
was  said  around  him,  until  he  fell  asleep,  on  the  sixteenth  of  June, 
to  rest  till  the  resurrection  morn." 

I  will  now  briefly  delineate  the  character  of  this  excellent  man. 
Few  men  that  I  have  known  have  been  so  distinguished  by  native 
and  unaffected  modesty  as  was  Elder  Leftwich.  He  literally  es- 
teemed others  better  than  himself.  This  disposition  was  in  him 
a  pleasing  combination  of  humility  and  charity.  He  never  sought 
the  highest  place;  and  when  it  was  offered  to  him  he  instinctively 
shrunk  from  it,  if  a  sense  of  duty  did  not  impel  him  to  occupy  it. 


WILLIAM   LEFTWICII.  137 

Closely  allied  to  modesty  is  disinterestedness;  another  trait  for 
which  this  good  mau  was  remarkable.  Selfishness  seemed  to  be 
no  part  of  his  nature.  He  earnestly  desired  that  good  might  be 
done  ;  and  when  clone  by  others,  he  rejoiced  in  it  no  less  than  if  it 
had  been  done  by  himself.  Jealously,  envy,  and  their  kindred 
evils,  found  no  place  in  his  bosom.  Well  does  the  speaker  re- 
member the  affection  and  interest  with  which  this  venerated  father 
took  him  by  the  hand,  in  the  beginning  of  his  ministry,  guided, 
counseled,  and  encouraged  him;  and  rejoiced  in  the  development 
of  his  gifts,  and  the  success  with  which  God,  of  his  infinite  con- 
descension and  grace,  was  pleased  to  crown  his  feeble  labors.  It 
affords  me  the  most  heartfelt  pleasure  to  acknowledge  and  record 
his  kindness  to  me,  when  my  friends  were  few  and  feeble.  Much 
I  needed  the  countenance,  support,  and  supervision  of  an  expe- 
rienced and  judicious  friend ;  such  advantages  I  derived  from 
Father  Leftwich. 

This  worthy  pastor  was  eminent  for  his  liberality — not  that 
spurious  liberality  which  bitterly  inveighs  against  bigotry,  and 
boasts  of  freedom  from  sectarianism ;  which  sacrifices  truth  to 
popularity,  and  stigmatizes  fidelity  to  Christ  as  narrow-minded 
exclusiveness ;  but  that  genuine  liberality  which,  spurning  the 
prejudice  of  education  and  party,  dares  to  judge  candidly  and 
charitably.  The  rarest  this  of  all  human  attainments.  And  in 
this  very  grace  did  our  departed  brother  abound  and  excel.  He 
was  a  Baptist,  not  from  a  sectarian  spirit,  but  from  an  intelligent 
and  firm  persuasion  that  Baptist  sentiments  are  scriptural  and 
important ;  but  he  could  discern,  appreciate,  and  commend  the 
things  which  are  pure  and  excellent  in  other  communions. 

This  estimable  minister  furnished  a  fine  and  commanding  speci- 
men of  true  Christian  dignity.  In  his  character  there  was  a  rare 
combination  of  good  qualities.  Amiableness,  sobriety,  cheerful- 
ness, and  unaffected  politeness,  blending,  in  beautiful  proportions, 
their  varied  charms,  rendered  him  at  once  the  most  agreeable  and 
pleasant  of  men. 

But  to  say  all  in  a  word,  Elder  Leftwich  was  a  Christian — 
a  Christian  gentleman,  devout  without  superstition,  conscientious 
without  fastidiousness,  and  firm  without  obstinacy ;  a  Christian, 
consistent,  fruitful,  "without  spot  and  blameless;"  a  Christian, 

12  * 


138  WILLIAM   LEFTWIC:!. 

adorning  in  all  things  the  doctrine  of  his  God  and  Saviour,  and 
winning  all  hearts  by  the  "beauties  of  holiness." 

As  &  preacher  our  venerable  father  was  endowed  with  no  mean 
gifts.  Considering  the  defects  of  his  early  education,  the  late 
period  of  life  at  which  he  entered  the  ministry,  the  secular  en- 
gagements by  which  he  was  always  embarrassed,  and  the  lack  of 
stimulus  to  exertion  in  the  circumstances  surrounding  him,  his  at- 
tainments in  theology  and  his  style  of  preaching  were  truly  sur- 
prising. His  manner  of  preaching  was  slow,  self-possessed,  and 
sometimes  very  pungent  and  impressive.  His  style  was  concise, 
perspicuous,  forcible,  and  often  elegant ;  his  gestures  were  natural, 
appropriate,  and  sparing;  and  his  voice  was  clear,  sonorous,  and 
flexible. 

His  doctrinal  views  were  Calvinistic — not  of  the  high,  but  low 
school,  removed  alike  from  Antinomianism  on  the  one  hand  and 
from  Arminianism  on  the  other.  To  man  he  ascribed  sin,  with 
all  its  guilt  and  shame ;  and  to  God  salvation,  with  all  its  glory. 
His  preaching  was  eminently  experimental.  No  book  did  he 
study  more  carefully  than  the  human  heart ;  and  in  the  knowledge 
of  none  did  he  make  greater  proficiency.  To  anatomize  the 
heart,  to  lay  bare  its  motives,  detect  its  prejudices,  expose  its  de- 
ceitfulness,  make  it  acquainted  with  its  own  deformities,  and 
trace,  through  all  its  stages,  the  work  of  santification,  were  his 
delight;  and  in  these  labors  few  excelled  him. 

His  sermons  were  wanting  in  compass  and  variety ;  and  usually 
in  the  commencement  of  his  discourses,  his  utterance  was  slow 
and  tedious,  and  his  manner  deficient  in  elasticity  and  vigor. 
These  defects  sprang  not  from  the  want  of  any  natural  aptness 
for  public  speaking,  but  from  the  lack  of  early  mental  training, 
and  the  unfavorable  circumstances  in  which  he  prosecuted  his 
ministry. 

Such  was  the  Rev.  William  Leftwich,  the  beloved  and  lamented 
pastor.  But  why  need  I  delineate  his  character  ?  There  are 
those  who  knew  him  better  than  I  did — those  among  whom  he 
lived,  and  labored,  and  prayed.  Well  they  remember  his  grace- 
ful and  venerable  person,  his  countenance,  radiant  with  benignity, 
his  instructive  sermons,  solemn  warnings,  and  tender  expostula- 
tions, with  his  many  self-denying  efforts  to  promote  their  salva- 


WILLIAM   LEFTWICH.  139 

tion.  But  he  is  dead,  and  yet  he  speaketh.  From  -his  grave 
there  comes  forth  a  voice,  distinct,  solemn,  and  impressive,  to  in- 
struct, admonish,  and  comfort  us.  I  propose  now  to  notice 
briefly  some  of  the  lessons  which  our  venerable  father,  "being 
dead,  yet  speaketh." 

1.  He  being  dead,  yet  proclaims  the  excellence,  and  conse- 
quently the  truth  of  Christianity. 

What  a  beautiful  specimen  of  moral  worth  was  presented  in  the 
life  of  the  departed !  What  self-denial !  what  purity !  what 
charity !  what  devotion  I  what  perseverance,  marked  his  life ! 
How  blameless,  and  useful,  and  noble  was  his  career !  Who 
could  have  witnessed  his  conduct,  through  so  many  years  of  trial, 
and  sorrow,  and  change,  without  a  strong  conviction  of  the  depth, 
vitality,  and  vigor  of  his  principles  ?  His  piety  was  no  mountain 
torrent  swollen  by  a  hasty  shower,  but  a  tranquil  stream  fed  by 
perennial  fountains,  and  diffusing  fertility  and  beauty. 

And  to  what,  permit  me  to  inquire,  was  our  deceased  friend 
indebted  for  all  his  moral  excellence  ?  To  the  gospel  of  Christ. 
He  might  have  been  sober,  honest,  and  honorable,  without  faith  in 
the  gospel.  There  is  many  a  man  of  unblenching  integrity,  high- 
souled  honor,  and  self-sacrificing  patriotism,  who  is  a  skeptic  or 
an  atheist ;  and  we  pay  homage  to  such  specimens  of  unsauctified 
worth.  But  to  the  gospel  Elder  Leftwich  was  indebted  for  his 
piety  and  devotion.  Without  faith  in  Christ  he  had  lived  and 
died  a  mere  worldling,  unmindful  of  God  and  eternity.  But  he 
believed,  studied,  and  obeyed  the  gospel ;  and  by  it  he  was  reno- 
vated and  ennobled.  The  gospel  dissolved  his  heart  into  peni- 
tence, clothed  him  with  humility,  inspired  him  with  gratitude  to 
God,  breathed  into  his  heart  the  spirit  of  prayer,  and  made  him 
a  conscientious,  obedient,  and  heavenly-minded  man. 

2.  He  being  dead,  yet  proclaims  the  superior  advantages  of  a 
life  of  piety,  even  in  this  world. 

How  clearly  was  this  remark  exemplied  in  the  life  of  our  de- 
parted brother !  If  there  be  no  future  state,  by  what  possible 
means  could  he  have  better  promoted  his  happiness  than  by  the 
course  which  he  pursued?  Temperance  secured  his  health,  recti- 
tude gained  for  him  the  confidence  of  men,, charity  multiplied  his 
friends,  and  piety  inspired  him  with  hope,  sweet  and  sustaining, 


140  WILLIAM   LEFTWICH. 

even  if  delusory.  His  life  was  eminently  tranquil,  cheerful,  and 
prosperous ;  and  that  for  these  advantages  he  was  greatly  indebted 
to  the  influence  of  Christianity,  none  can  reasonably  doubt.  But 
for  the  principles  which  it  implanted,  and  the  motives  to  right- 
eousness which  it  furnished,  who  can  say  to  what  excesses  he  might 
have  been  urged  by  appetite  or  passion,  or  into  what  crimes 
plunged  by  self-interest  ? 

The  truth  is,  in  every  view  the  Christian  has  the  advantage  of 
the  skeptic.  If  the  gospel  be  false,  it  imposes  no  restraints,  de- 
mands no  sacrifices,  and  requires  no  services  which  are  not  salu- 
tary. The  believer  loses  nothing,  but  gains  much  even  in  the 
present  life ;  and  in  the  grave  none  will  sleep  more  soundly  aud 
sweetly  than  he.  But  should  the  gospel  prove  to  be  true,  then 
the  condition  of  the  Christian  and  of  the  skeptic  will  be  as  far 
apart  as  heaven  and  hell.  In  this  life  they  cherish  different 
spirits,  are  governed  by  different  laws,  are  animated  by  different 
motives;  pursue,  in  a  word,  wholly  different  roads;  no  wonder 
that  they  should  fare  differently  in  their  journey,  and  reach  widely 
different  abodes. 

3.  He  being  dead,  yet  proclaims  the  power  of  the  gospel  to 
support  the  soul  in  death. 

Death,  in  all  ages,  and  among  all  people,  has  been  viewed  as 
man's  great  enemy.  No  wonder  it  should  be  dreaded.  Behold 
its  triumphs !  its  desolations  1  It  severs  the  tenderest  ties,  extin- 
guishes the  brightest  hopes,  dries  up  every  source  of  earthly  en- 
joyment, and  terminates  every  sublunary  interest.  Its  approach 
is  heralded  by  disease,  and  pains,  a  pallid  countenance,  failing 
strength,  dimness  of  sight,  delirium,  groans,  and  convulsions.  In 
the  body  it  works  the  most  frightful  changes ;  mars  its  beauty, 
and  converts  it  into  a  putrid  and  loathsome  mass.  It  ushers  the 
soul,  prepared  or  unprepared,  into  that  world  "from  whose 
bourne  no  traveler  returns."  Let  the  best  men,  in  the  exercise 
of  triumphant  faith,  or  the  worst,  in  the  infatuation  of  their  de- 
pravity, say  what  they  will,  it  is  a  solemn  thing  to  die.  And  what 
can  sustain  man  in  such  a  conflict  ?  Can  philosophy  ?  She  loudly 
proclaims  the  necessity  of  fortitude  and  courage,  but  she  is  utterly 
wanting  in  power  to  inspire  these  dispositions.  Can  physical 
courage  ?  We  have  seen  the  bravest  men,  whose  nerves  seemed 


WILLIAM   LEFTWICH.  141 

to  be  of  brass,  quail  and  tremble  at  the  approach  of  the  "king 
of  terrors."  Can  infidelity  ?  She  may  Tauntingly  affirm  that 
death  is  an  eternal  sleep ;  but  she  cannot  quiet  the  accusations 
of  a  guilty  conscience,  nor  dispel  the  dread  that  hovers  around 
the  tomb.  Can  reckless  stupidity?  I  know  that  man  in  his  mad- 
ness can  endure  much  ;  but  can  his  hands  be  strong,  or  his  heart 
endure,  when  God  shall  enter  into  dealings  with  him  ?  Faith  in 
Christ  can  enable  man  to  triumph  over  the  terrors  of  death,  and 
nothing  else  can.  "  Forasmuch  as  the  children  are  partakers  of 
flesh  and  blood,  Christ  also  himself  likewise  took  part  of  the 
same;  that  through  death  he  might  destroy  him  that  had  the 
power  of  death,  that  is,  the  devil ;  and  deliver  them,  who,  through 
fear  of  death,  were  all  their  lifetime  subject  to  bondage."  The 
death  of  Christ,  by  the  removal  of  guilt,  and  the  resurrection  of 
Christ,  by  confirming  the  doctrine  of  man's  immortality,  strips 
death  of  all  his  terrors,  and  opens,  through  the  tomb,  a  passage 
to  the  skies.  Faith  in  Christ  quiets  a  guilty  conscience,  calms 
fears,  soothes  pains,  inspires  hope,  and  imparts  peace.  It  enables 
the  Christian,  with  the  Psalmist,  triumphantly  to  exclaim, 
"Though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  I 
will  fear  no  evil ;  for  thou  art  with  me ;  thy  rod  and  thy  staff 
they  comfort  me." 

How  impressively  were  these  remarks  confirmed  in  the  death  of 
the  excellent  Leftwich !  To  him  death  had  no  terrors,  and  the 
grave  was  all  radiant  with  hope.  "Oh  that  I  could  speak!" 
were  his  dying"  words.  And  what  did  he  wish  to  speak  ?  The 
very  truth  which  issues  with  so  much  emphasis  from  his  tomb, 
the  power  of  the  gospel  to  sustain  and  solace  the  soul  in  death. 
Ah !  could  he  have  spoken,  what  words  of  consolation  would  have 
flowed  from  his  lips !  If  his  deep  and  habitual  humility  had  pre- 
vented him  from  utteringthe  exulting  words  of  Paul,  "I  have  fought 
a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith," 
he  could  with  unwavering  confidence  have  united  in  the  joyful 
anticipation,  "Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of 
righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  shall  give  me 
at  that  day ;  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them  also  that  love 
his  appearing." 


142  ROBERT  T.  DANIEL. 

4.  He  being  dead,  yet  reiterates  and  enforces  the  truths  which 
he  so  frequently  and  impressively  sounded  in  your  ears. 

For  many  years  was  Elder  Leftwich  the  pastor  of  Christian 
churches.  From  the  pulpit  he  preached  the  gospel.  Many  well 
remember  with  how  much  plainness,  fidelity,  and  tenderness. 
Here  they  frequently  listened  to  his  solemn  warnings,  searching  - 
expostulations,  and  melting  entreaties.  They  have  not  forgotten, 
and  they  cannot  forget,  how  earnestly  he  longed,  and  how  dili- 
gently he  labored,  for  the  salvation  of  sinners,  and  the  sanctifi- 
cation  and  encouragement  of  his  children  in  the  gospel.  He 
watched  for  souls  as  one  who  expected  to  give  account  to  God. 
His  tears  and  prayers  evinced  that  he  was  serious  in  a  serious 
cause.  But  he  is  dead  and  buried.  The  tongue,  that  so  ear- 
nestly pleaded  the  cause  of  piety  and  salvation,  is  mute ;  and  the 
countenance,  so  often  lighted  with  heavenly  ardor,  is  pale  and 
shrouded.  No  more  will  the  venerated  pastor  fill  his  pulpit,  and 
bedew  it  with  his  tears.  No  more  shall  the  solemn  tones  of  his 
voice  be  heard.  His  example,  so  fraught  with  wisdom,  and 
meekness,  and  goodness,  we  shall  see  no  more. 


ROBERT    T.   DANIEL.* 

WHAT  mean  these  badges  of  mourning  which  I  behold  on  every 
hand?  Why  are  your  countenances  sad  and  your  eyes  tearful? 
What  event  has  produced  the  deep  solemnity  which  rests  upon 
all  this  assembly?  Alas!  the  shaft  of  death  has  flown;  it  has 
pierced  the  heart  of  the  tallest  among  us.  We  are  summoned 
here  this  morning  by  no  ordinary  dispensation  of  Providence.  A 
great  man  in  Israel  is  fallen.  An  aged,  an  experienced,  and 
valiant  leader  of  the  sacred  host  lies  low  in  the  grave.  We  weep 
for  a  brother  beloved,  and  the  church  of  Christ  is  in  mourning 
for  one  of  her  most  distinguished  sons.  As  intelligence  of  this 
melancholy  event  shall  reach  the  different  and  distant  portions  of 

*  The  substance  of  a  discourse  commemorative  of  the  labors  and  charac- 
ter of  Elder  K.  T.  Daniel,  by  Elder  E.  B.  C.  Howell. 


ROBERT   T.  DANIEL.  143 

our  country,  many  hands  will  be  lifted  up  in  dismay,  and,  in  unison 
with  the  sentiments  you  now  feel,  one  burst  of  grief  will  be  uttered 
by  thousands  of  hearts.  The  practiced  warrior,  whose  "bow 
turned  not  back,"  the  mighty  man,  is  "fallen  in  the  midst  of  the 
battle."  "Ye  daughters  of  Jerusalem,  weep  over  himl"  He 
commands  your  sorrow. 

For  myself,  I  may  be  allowed  to  take  up  the  lamentation  of  the 
King  of  Israel  over  the  cold  remains  of  his  beloved  Jonathan : 
"lam  distressed  for  thee,  my  brother;  very  pleasant  hast  thou 
been  unto  me."  My  own  venerable  pastor  and  father  in  the 
gospel,  whose  instructions  aided  me  when  seeking  to  know  Christ; 
by  whose  hands  I  received  the  solemn  initiatory  sacrament,  and 
whose  voice,  nineteen  years  since,  welcomed  me  to  the  church  of 
Christ,  is  gone.  The  polished  and  enlightened  friend ;  the  de- 
voted, ardent,  and  beloved  Christian ;  the  impassioned,  the  elo- 
quent, and  successful  minister  of  the  cross,  ROBERT  THOMAS 
DANIEL,  is  no  more.  His  mortal  remains  sleep  in  the  cold 
embrace  of  death,  and  his  freed  spirit  has  gone  up  on  high — has 
entered 

"The  presence  chamber  of  the  King  of  kings," 

to  receive  the  reward  of  the  faithful.  We  have  assembled  to-day 
to  mingle  upon  his  grave  our  tears  of  submissive  regret,  and  to 
utter  our  long  and  last  farewell. 

While  upon  his  dying  bed  he  repeated  a  request,  which  he  had 
before  several  times  expressed,  that  when  he  should  have  departed 
I  would  preach  a  funeral  discourse,  and,  as  an  image  of  his  mind 
in  his  last  moments,  assigned  me  as  a  text  the  passage  I  have 
quoted :  "  I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered,  and  the  time  of  my  de- 
parture is  at  hand ;  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished 
my  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith ;  henceforth  there  is  laid'  up  for 
me  a  crown  of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge, 
shall  give  me  at  that  day;  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them, 
also,  who  love  his  appearing." 

The  subject  embraced  in  this  text  is  the  Christian's  triumph 
in  death.  Let  us  consider  in  what  particulars  this  topic  is  illus- 
trated in  the  departure  of  our  venerable  brother.  An  analysis 
of  the  passage  will  show  that  it  refers  to  that  examination  of  our 


144  EGBERT  T.  DANIEL. 

spiritual  condition  which  forces  itself  upon  us  all  as  we  approach 
the  borders  of  the  grave.  "  The  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand ; 
I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered ;"  it  retrospects  the  past  events  of 
life.  "I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I 
have  kept  the  faith;"  it  surveys  the  prospect  which  lies  in  the 
future.  "Henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown  of  right- 
eousness, which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  shall  give  me  at 
that  day;"  and  it  closes  with  an  expression  of  that  Christian 
benevolence  and  joy  in  the  happiness  of  others,  which,  in  its  full 
extent,  the  gospel  only  inspires.  "And  not  to  me  only,  but  unto 
all  them,  also,  that  love  his  appearing."  We  will,  in  the  exercise 
of  as  much  brevity  as  the  nature  of  our  circumstances  will  permit, 
pursue,  in  the  present  discourse,  the  method  now  suggested. 

Such  is  the  Christian's  triumph  in  death  as  presented  in  the 
rapid  and  imperfectly  sketched  picture  of  the  state  of  mind,  when 
about  to  die,  of  the  venerable  minister  whose  loss  to  the  church 
militant  we  now  deplore,  as  pointed  out  by  himself,  and  strongly 
marked  in  his  selection  of  this  passage  for  his  funeral  text:  "I 
am  now  ready  to  be  offered,  and  the  time  of  ray  departure  is  at 
hand;  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course,  I 
have  kept  the  faith ;  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown 
of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  shall  give 
me  at  that  day ;  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them,  also,  that 
love  his  appearing." 

"  Oh,  let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  last  end 
be  like  his !"  How  unspeakable  the  boon  to  be  thus  untroubled; 
nay,  more,  to  be  joyful,  rapturous,  full  of  confidence  in  that  hour 
when  the  deep  struggle  comes  with  the  last  enemy !  The  last 
enemy — and  such  is  death  !  He  is  the  last  enemy,  and  he,  too,  is 
vanquished.  Now  there  is  no  more  an  enemy;  all  are  friends. 
Of  him  may  we  truly  say  he  died 

"As  sets  the  morning  star,  which  goes 
Not  down  behind  the  darken'd  west,  nor  hides, 
Obscured,  among  the  tempests  of  the  skies, 
But  melts  away  into  the  light  of  heaven." 

Having  reached  but  his  sixty-seventh  year,  our  lamented  brother, 
although  he  had  attained  a  green  old  age,  had  not  numbered  the 


ROBERT   T.  DANIEL.  145 

allotted  years  of  life.  We  had  hoped  that,  for  the  sake  of  the 
cause  of  salvation,  many  more  would  have  been  added.  To  check 
his  disease  and  prolong  his  life  medical  skill  and  the  most  assidu- 
ous attentions  of  friends  were  united,  but  they  were  ineffectual. 

" We  sought  to  stay 


An  angel  on  the  earth,  a  spirit,  ripe 

For  heaven ;  and  mercy,  in  her  love,  refused." 

Anew  we  were  taught  the  painful  lessons  we  have  so  often 
meditated  in  years  past,  and  which  is  so  beautifully  sung  by  one 
of  Nature's  favorite  and  most  gifted  poets : — 

"  Leaves  have  their  time  to  fall, 

And  flowers  to  wither  at  the  north  wind's  breath, 
And  stars  to  set ;  but  all — 

Thou  hast  all  seasons  for  thine  own,  0  death!" 

But  I  forbear.  I  have  now  discharged,  with  reference  to  the 
text,  and  with  what  ability  I  could,  under  the  circumstances, 
command,  the  sacred  duty  imposed  on  me  by  the  dying  request 
of  my  beloved  and  venerable  pastor;  and  we  have  seen,  in  the 
several  particulars  introduced,  as  illustrated  by  him,  the  Christian's 
triumph  in  death.  In  closing  this  address  I  may  be  permitted  to 
make  some  brief  statements  in  relation  to  his  personal,  religious, 
and  family  history,  his  labors  and  general  character.  Of  his 
family  we  only  know  that  his  mother's  name  was  Eliza  Thomas, 
and  that  she  was  of  Caroline  County,  Virginia.  That  of  his 
father  was  Samuel  Daniel,  of  an  adjoining  county  in  the  same 
State.  Robert  Thomas  Daniel  was  their  fifth  son.  He  was  born 
the  10th  day  of  June,  1773,  at  their  family  residence  in  Middlesex 
County.  At  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  struggle  they  emi- 
grated, with  their  numerous  children,  to  Orange  County,  in  North 
Carolina,  and  settled  near  Hillsborough,  where  Robert  Thomas 
was  brought  up  to  the  two  branches  of  business  conducted  by  his 
father — those  of  a  blacksmith  and  cabinet-maker.  At  the  age  of 
twenty-three,  March  1st,  1796,  he  married  Miss  Penelope  Cain 
Flowers,  of  Chatham  County,  in  that  State,  with  whom  he  lived 
forty-five  years.  Of  this  excellent  and  devoted  sister  I  must  be 
permitted  to  remark,  that  her  deep  piety  and  ardent  zeal  for  the 

VOL.  II. — K  13 


146  ROBERT   T.  DANIEL. 

cause — having  been,  if  I  am  correctly  informed,  a  member  of  the 
church  from  her  youth — prepared  her  to  be,  and  she  was,  emi- 
nently, a  co-worker  with  him  in  his  numerous  labors  in  the  gospel 
field.  She  closed  a  life  of  consistent  piety  and  unwavering  fidelity 
in  her  Christian  profession,  on  the  first  day  of  the  present  year, 
at  Salem,  in  Mississippi.  She  brought  up  five  sons  and  three 
daughters,  and  lived  to  greet  twenty-six  grandchildren  and  one 
great-grandchild.  For  several  years  previous  to  her  death  she 
had  been  the  subject  of  deep  bodily  affliction.  She  felt  that  she 
had  performed  her  work  on  earth,  and,  pressed  with  pain  and  ir- 
relievable  suffering,  she  wished  to  depart.  At  length  the  "Angel 
of  the  Covenant"  came, 

" And  faithful  to  his  promise  stood, 


Prepared  to  walk  with  her  through  death's  dark  vale." 

She  met  the  summons  with  a  serene  heart;  ascended,  expressing 
her  perfect  confidence  in  the  boundless  fullness  of  Christ,  and  her 
assurance  that  in  him  she  was  safe.  But  I  return.  Our  lamented 
brother  professed,  in  July,  1802,  to  have  obtained  a  hope  in 
Christ.  He  was  then  in  his  twenty-ninth  year.  Under  what 
instrumentality  this  event  occurred  cannot  now  be  determined; 
probably,  as  has  been  the  case  in  many  other  instances,  the  influ- 
ence and  exhortation  of  the  lovely,  blooming,  and  pious  girl,  who, 
six  years  before,  had  united  her  earthly  destinies  with  his.  Having 
found  peace  in  believing,  he  did  not  delay  to  put  on  Christ  in 
the  divinely  prescribed  form,  and  the  next  month,  in  August,  was 
"buried  with  him  in  baptism,"  at  Holly  Springs,  in  Wake  County, 
North  Carolina,  of  which  church  he  became  a  member,  by  Elder 
Isaac  Hicks. 

The  sacred  fire  that  burned  in  a  soul  so  ardent  and  ingenuous 
as  his  could  not  be  repressed  or  concealed.  During  the  early  part, 
therefore,  of  the  succeeding  year,  (1803,)  he  began  publicly  to 
address  sinners,  and,  at  the  meeting  of  his  church  in  April,  was 
formally  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel.  His  extraordinary  abili- 
ties were  at  once  perceived,  and,  three  months  afterwards,  he  was 
called  to  ordination.  He  tremblingly  submitted,  and  the  solemn 
rite  took  place  at  Holly  Springs,  at  their  monthly  meeting  in  July 
of  that  year,  when  he  had  been  a  member  of  the  church  but  eleven 


ROBERT   T.  DANIEL.  147 

months.  The  officiating  Presbytery  were  Elder  Isaac  Hicks,  his 
pastor,  and  Nathan  Gully,  both  of  whom  were  eminently  useful 
ministers,  and  have  long  since  gone  to  their  rest.  From  the  hour 
in  which  he  took  upon  him  the  solemn  vows  of  the  Episcopal 
office,  until  that  day  in  which  he  went  up  to  inhabit  "that  temple 
not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens,"  he  magnanimously 
devoted  himself  exclusively  to  the  ministry,  in  the  duties  of  which 
he  expended  his  fortune  and  his  life.  In  relation  to  the  several 
pastorships  he  sustained,  time  compels  me  to  limit  the  notice  to  a, 
bare  catalogue.  The  church  at  Mount  Pisgah,  in  Chatham 
County,  near  his  youthful  home,  was  the  first,  of  which  I  have 
information,  over  which  he  presided.  After  some  years,  he 
changed  his  place  to  Rocky  River,  in  the  same  county,  and  took 
charge  of  the  church  at  May's  Chapel  in  the  vicinity.  Thence, 
by  their  invitation,  he  removed  to  Saw-mill  Church,  in  Marlbo- 
rough  District,  South  Carolina.  From  that  place  he  returned  to 
May's  Chapel.  While  here,  he  accepted  the  call  of  the  church  in 
Raleigh,  and  removed  to  that  metropolis.  After  some  years,  he 
resigned  his  pastorship  in  that  city  and  accepted  the  oversight  of 
the  church  in  Greenville,  in  Pitt  County.  Thence  he  removed  to 
the  church  at  Black  Creek,  in  Southampton  County,  Virginia. 
The  next  place  of  his  residence  was  Bellfield,  in  Greenville  County. 
Leaving  this,  he  emigrated  to  Tennessee,  and,  after  spending  some 
time  in  itinerant  labors  in  the  middle  part  of  the  State,  he  settled  in 
Lexington,  Henderson  County.  He  soon  after  took  charge  of 
the  church  in  Paris,  in  Henry  County,  and,  after  a  few  years'  resi- 
dence there,  removed,  and  assumed  the  pastorship  of  the  church  at 
Holly  Springs,  in  Mississippi,  and  finally,  a  year  since,  he  changed 
his  residence  to  Salem,  in  that  State,  where  expired  the  affectionate 
companion  of  all  his  journeyings,  and  which  he  regarded  as  his 
home  at  the  time  of  his  death.  From  this  rapid  sketch  it  will  be 
seen  that  he  was  emphatically  a  wanderer.  He  had,  literally, 
"no  continuing  city."  This  feature  in  his  history  was  the  result 
of  causes  not  difficult  to  be  perceived.  Sanguine  in  his  tempera- 
ment, he  was  easily  discouraged,  and  as  easily  induced  to  change 
his  place  by  the  present  prospect  of  greater  usefulness.  The 
revival  spirit,  too,  seemed  to  have  a  permanent  home  in  his  heart; 
and  where  religious  excitement  prevailed,  even  for  the  time  being, 


148  ROBERT   T.  DANIEL. 

he  was  powerfully  attracted,  and  strongly  disposed  to  fix  his 
residence.  But  the  influence  that  mo're  especially  governed  his 
movements  was,  I  apprehend,  his  just  conviction  that  Divine  grace 
had  designed  and  fitted  him,  peculiarly,  for  the  services  of  an 
itinerant  minister.  These,  and  not  any  dissatisfactions  of  his 
churches  or  difficulties  with  them,  were  the  causes  of  his  frequent 
removals.  No  man  had  more  than  he  of  Christian  urbanity  and 
kindness,  was  more  ardently  beloved  by  his  people,  or  more  deeply 
regretted  when  he  considered  it  his  duty  to  leave  them.  These 
facts,  if  we  had  no  other  proof  of  their  truth,  were  sufficiently 
demonstrated  by  the  enthusiastic  joy  with  which  the  people  over 
whom  he  had  once  presided  always  greeted  his  subsequent  visits 
among  them.  Another  feature  prominent  in  his  character  was  a 
desire  to  unite  the  people  of  God  in  benevolent  action,  by  which 
he  was  assured  they  could  accomplish  more  than  in  their  separate 
and  individual  capacity. 

He  was  one  among  the  number  who  understood  and  properly 
appreciated  the  advantages,  of  which  we  might  in  this  way  avail 
ourselves,  for  the  more  thorough  and  extensive  preaching  of  the 
4  gospel  in  our  own  and  other  lands.  He  was,  consequently,  a 
prominent  actor  in  the  origination  of  many  religious  and  benevo- 
lent associations,  and  the  chief  instrument,  in  the  region  of  his 
labors,  by  which  they  were  sustained.  Much  of  his  time  was 
occupied  in  these  duties,  and  during  the  greater  part  of  his  life 
he  was  either  a  missionary  or  an  agent  of  some  one  of  them.  In 
these  capacities  he  served  successively,  besides,  perhaps,  several 
others  whose  names  do  not  now  occur  to  me,  the  North  Caro- 
lina Baptist  Missionary  Society,  and  Baptist  State  Convention; 
the  Baptist  Board  of  Foreign  Missions;  the  Baptist  General 
Association  of  Virginia;  the  American  Baptist  Home  Mission 
Society ;  the  Baptist  State  Convention  of  Tennessee ;  the  Educa- 
tion Society  of  Tennessee  and  Mississippi ;  and  the  Southwestern 
Baptist  Home  Mission  Society.  When  he  was  overtaken  by  the 
message  which  called  him  hence,  he  was  on  a  tour,  which  he  had 
projected  for  the  last  two  of  these  societies,  through  Tennessee, 
Virginia,  North  and  South  Carolina,  Alabama,  and  Mississippi. 

When  not  especially  employed  as  a  missionary  or  agent,  which 
was  sometimes  the  case,  the  whole  region  within  a  hundred  or 


ROBERT  T.  DANIEL.  149 

t\vo  hundred  miles  of  his  residence,  was  frequently  visited  by  him, 
and  especially  those  places  in  which  there  were  indications  of 
revival,  and  his  labors  were  often  attended  by  the  most  glorious 
results.  He  was  not,  therefore,  much  with  his  own  churches, 
and  yet  most  of  them  were,  by  his  instrumentality,  built  up,  and 
greatly  enlarged  and  strengthened.  It  is,  therefore,  matter  of 
no  surprise  that,  during  the  last  thirty  years  and  more,  he  has 
filled  a  large  space  in  the  public  eye  in  the  South  and  Southwest. 
He  has  been  honored  as  the  instrument  of  originating  or  ad- 
vancing many  powerful  and  extensive  revivals,  from  which  the 
churches  have  been  replenished  with  members,  and  out  of  which 
have  gone  forth  numerous  young  ministers  into  the  gospel  field. 
In  a  letter  to  me,  written  from  his  death-bed,  referring  to  these 
subjects,  he  says : — 

"  During  the  thirty-seven  years  that  have  passed  away  since  I 
commenced  the  work  of  the  ministry,  I  have  traveled,  for  the 
purpose  of  preaching  the  gospel,  about  sixty-thousand  miles, 
preached  upwards  of  five  thousand  sermons,  and  baptized  more 
than  fifteen  hundred  people.  Of  that  number,  many  are  now 
ministers  of  various  grades ;  but  twelve  are  men  of  eminent  talents 
and  usefulness,  and  ten,  mostly  through  my  procurement,  are 
regularly  and  thoroughly  educated.  Of  all  this,"  he  adds,  "I  have 
nothing  to  boast,  only  in  Christ  Jesus,  my  Lord.  I  regret  much 
that  I  have  done  so  little  for  his  dear  cause,  and  been  so  cold- 
hearted  and  remiss  in  my  duty." 

You  are,  my  brethren,  doubtless  aware  that  an  evangelist,  and 
of  this  description,  as  we  have  seen,  were  most  of  the  labors  of  our 
departed  brother,  seldom  baptized  the  individuals  converted  under 
his  ministry.  This  is  done  by  the  pastor  with  whom,  for  the  time 
being,  he  may  be  associated.  If  then,  under  these  circumstances, 
Elder  Daniel  baptized  fifteen  hundred,  we  may  safely  conclude  he 
had  been  the  instrument  of  the  conversion  of  at  least  five  times  that 
number.  In  his  intercourse  with  other  ministers,our  lamented  brother 
was  peculiarly  felicitous.  Unassuming,  urbane,  and  affectionate  in 
his  deportment,  he  always  conciliated  their  good-will ;  and  as  he 
was  never  censorious  or  ambitious,  he  remained  unruffled  and 
pleased,  whoever  was  distinguished  as  the  favorite  of  popular  feel- 
ing. Jealousy  of  his  brethren  had  no  place  in  his  heart,  and  envy 

13* 


150  ROBERT   T.  DANIEL. 

was  an  emotion  to  which  his  soul  was  a  stranger.  Of  young 
ministers  he  was  emphatically  the  peculiar  friend.  He  felt  that 
they  were  his  sons,  and  he  was  ever  ready,  not  only  to  impart  to 
them  instruction,  but  to  sustain  and  encourage  them  by  his  affec- 
tionate sympathy,  countenance,  and  influence.  His  advice  to 
them  was  always  in  favor  of  close  and  constant  study  of  the  Word 
of  God;  to  seek,  by  all  appropriate  means,  a  thorough  discipline 
of  the  mental  powers ;  and  to  unite  these  with  constant  prayer, 
humility,  industry,  and  exclusive  devotion  to  the  glorious  cause. 
Many  a  young  minister  has  felt  for  years  the  influence  of  a  few 
hours  intercourse  with  him. 

"His  eye  was  meek  and  gentle,  and  a  smile 
Played  on  his  lips ;  and  in  his  speech  was  heard 
Paternal  sweetness,  dignity,  and  love." 

"  The  occupation  dearest  to  his  heart, 
Was  to  encourage  goodness." 

His  zeal  for  their  improvement  led  him  often  to  discuss  the  sub- 
ject, especially  in  private,  which  he  did  with  great  effect.  The 
impressions  he  made  were  permanent,  and  consequently  to  no 
man  more  than  to  him  is  the  church  in  the  South  and  Southwest 
indebted  for  the  spirit  that  now  prevails,  and  the  means  at  her 
command  for  ministerial  education. 

As  a  divine  his  orthodoxy  was  above  suspicion,  rather  of  the 
high  Calvinistic  cast,  and  all  his  feelings  with  regard  to  the 
spread  of  the  gospel  truly  apostolic. 

The  cross  of  Christ  was  his  favorite  theme.  It  stood  forth 
prominently  in  aH  his  sermons.  Thence  he  derived  his  own  hopes 
of  immortal  happiness,  and  to  that  he  ceaselessly  and  most  elo- 
quently pointed  the  people  as  the  only  source  of  salvation  and 
eternal  life.  His  love  to  man  was  circumscribed  only  by  the 
limits  of  our  race.  His  solicitude  for  their  welfare  could  not  be 
confined  to  the  narrow  compass  of  a  town,  a  county,  a  state,  or 
even  a  continent.  His  soul  was  too  expanded  to  move  in  so  small 
a  circle.  The  cause  of  Christ  was  the  same  to  him  in  all  lands. 
And  because  its  vigorous  and  successful  prosecution  was,  in  his 
judgment,  dependent,  under  God,  in  no  small  degree  upon  the 
healthful  condition  of  the  ministry  and  churches,  he  felt  in  this 
behalf  a  peculiar  anxiety.  This  thought  was  prominent  in  the 


ROBERT   T.  DANIEL.  ]51 

last  article  he  ever  wrote  for  publication.  It  was,  professedly,  his 
"dying  admonition."  In  this  paper  he  earnestly  exhorts  the 
ministry  to  give  themselves  wholly  to  the  work ;  to  avoid,  in  its 
pursuit,  all  selfishness ;  in  their  sermons  to  be  plain,  brief,  perspi- 
cuous, and  to  preach  to  the  heart ;  to  be  conciliatory  in  their 
intercourse  with  other  denominations,  and  in  their  references  to 
them;  to  seek  self-government,  and  continued  mental  advance- 
ment ;  to  indulge  no  jealousies  toward  each  other ;  to  seek  out 
young  men  whose  duty  it  may  be  to  preach,  and  to  encourage 
them  in  the  work ;  to  avoid  secular  and  political  stations  and 
honors ;  to  be  faithful  in  their  private  intercourse  with  each  other, 
and  with  all  men;  to  avoid  the  spirit  of  egotism;  to  be  indus- 
trious in  their  preparations  for  the  pulpit ;  never  to  ordain  any 
man  of  whose  fitness  for  the  sacred  office  they  are  not  entirely 
satisfied ;  and  to  keep  perpetually  in  mind  the  great  truth  that 
whatever  may  be  the  attainments  in  literature,  science,  and  even 
systematic  theology,  without  much  of  the  love  of  Christ,  a  deeply 
prayerful  spirit,  and  an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  Bible,  they  are 
unprepared  to  perform  successfully  the  duties  of  their  office.  The 
feelings  he  always  cherished  on  the  subject  are  beautifully  expressed 
by  Cowper,  in  his  Task : — 

"I  venerate  the  man  whose  heart  is  warm, 
Vv'hose  hands  are  pure,  whose  doctrine,  and  whose  life, 
Coincident,  exhibit  lucid  proof 
That  he  is  honest  in  the  sacred  cause." 

In  the  same  paper  he  admonishes  the  churches  to  be  united  and 
energetic,  in  their  efforts  to  spread  the  gospel ;  to  provide  the 
requisite  means  for  appropriate  training  of  young  ministers ;  to 
sustain  their  pastors  and  evangelists,  by  their  prayers  and  contri- 
butions ;  to  see  that  all  those  who  bear  the  sacred  office  are 
devoted  to  the  work ;  to  provide  themselves  with  able  and  effi- 
cient deacons  ;  to  maintain  a  strict  scriptural  discipline  ;  and  to 
cultivate  in  all  respects  perfect  unity  and  concord.  These  and  all 
the  other  qualifications  requisite  to  a  successful  minister,  than  our 
departed  brother  few  men  have  ever  possessed  in  a  higher  degree. 
He  had  not,  it  is  true,  the  learning  of  the  schools,  and  yet,  if 
education  consists  in  the  discipline  of  the  mind — the  expansion, 


152  ROBERT   T.  DANIEL. 

energy,  and  discrimination  of  the  intellect — the  ability  readily  to 
perceive  the  nature,  the  bearings,  and  influence  of  any  subject  he 
wished  to  investigate,  his  was  unquestionably  most  thorough  and 
extensive.  The  Bible  and  the  volume  of  nature  were  his  chief 
books.  He  read  little  else.  His  rhetoric  he  drew  from  his  own 
elegant  taste;  his  logic  from  the  decisions  of  his  enlightened 
judgment  as  to  what  is  conclusive  in  argument ;  his  metaphysics 
from  his  constant  contact  with  the  human  mind,  and  his  conse- 
quent opportunities  to  observe  its  nature,  action,  and  various  ten- 
dencies; his  ethics  from  his  theology;  and,  in  a  word,  all  the 
sciences  and  arts  from  their  original  sources.  In  literature,  the 
knowledge  of  the  vernacular,  without  pretensions  to  critical  accu- 
racy, supplied  him  with  an  easy,  copious,  and  flowing  style,  which, 
for  perspicuity  and  force,  if  not  elegance  and  splendor,  has  not 
often  been  equaled,  even  by  those  who  are  thoroughly  and  classic- 
ally read. 

I  cannot  but  remark  here,  however,  that  high  as  may  be  our 
admiration  of  his  abilities,  he  would,  in  these  respects,  and  for 
these  very  reasons,  be  a  dangerous  model  for  our  imitation.  To 
walk  in  his  Herculean  footsteps  we  must  possess — and  that  he 
does,  who  can  "lay  the  flattering  unction  to  his  soul" — his  great 
powers : 

"  Where  fancy  halted,  weary  in  her  flight, 
In  other  men,  his  fresh  as  morning  rose, 
And  soared  untrodden  heights,  and  seemed  at  home 
Where  angels  bashful  looked.     Others,  tho'  great, 
Beneath  their  argument  seemed  struggling  whiles; 
He  from  above  descending,  stooped  to  touch 
The  loftiest  thought." 

When  he  had  reached  the  summit  of  the  highest  conception,  he 
did  not  seem  as  we  do,  soiled  and  worn,  as  if  he  had  labored  up 
the  steep  ascent,  "but  as  some  bright  bird  of  heavenly  plumage 
fair,  he  looked,  which  down  from  higher  regions  came,  and  perched 
it  there,  to  see  what  lay  beneath."  The  faculties  we  possess  must 
be  nursed  with  energy.  With  weaker  wings  we  dare  not  imitate 
his  flight. 

As  a  writer  he  was  vigorous,  always  pertinent,  and  often  bril- 
liant. But  this  was  not  his  forte.  His  productions  of  this  kind 


ROBERT  T.  DANIEL.  153 

are  few,  and  cannot,  perhaps,  be  now  collected.  His  manner  was 
natural  and  easy.  Highly  polished  as  a  gentleman,  grave,  digni- 
fied, and  courteous  in  social  intercourse,  he  was  in  the  pulpit 
lucid,  spiritual,  and  impressive. 

"All  atiitude  and  stare, 
And  start  theatrics,  practiced  at  the  glass" — 

were  his  perfect  scorn.  Possessing  a  tall  and  commanding 
person;  a  countenance  intellectual,  manly,  and  benevolent;  a 
yoice  in  which  was  blended  the  sweetness  of  music  and  the  tone 
of  affection;  and,  for  many  years  past,  locks  upon  his  brow  as 
white  as  wool, — his  aspect  and  address  instantly  conciliated  his 
hearers,  and  made  them  feel  that  they  were  in  the  presence  of  a 
great  and  good  man.  His  piety  was  regular,  consistent,  and 
cheerful.  He  was  uniformly  prayerful,  ready  to  every  good  word 
and  work ;  prepared  to  rejoice  with  those  who  rejoice,  and  weep 
with  those  who  weep ;  to  warn  the  sinner,  instruct  the  inquirer, 
and  point  the  Christian  to  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world. 

Such,  as  a  man,  a  Christian,  and  a  minister,  was  our  lamented 
father  in  the  gospel.  That  he  was  free  from  imperfections,  and 
even  grave  faults,  we  do  not  pretend.  We  claim  not  for  him 
exemption  from  the  common  frailties  of  humanity.  He  would, 
himself,  have  shrunk  from  such  an  intimation  as  fulsome.  There 
are  dark  spots  even  in  the  sun.  He  was  not  so  fortunate  as  to 
escape  entirely  the  withering  breath  of  calumny  and  detraction. 
An  angel's  purity  would,  with  some  debased  minds,  but  excite  the 
more  their  malice,  and  prove  the  occasion  of  calling  forth  their 
increased  efforts  for  its  defamation.  But  his  defects  and  his 
errors,  whatever  they  were,  are  now  covered  by  the  dust  of  the 
grave-yard,  which  lies  upon  his  unpalpitating  bosom  ;  and  never 
did  the  clods  of  the  tomb  press  a  freer,  a  warmer,  or  a  more 
generous  heart.  He  has  descended  to  his  sepulchre  without  a 
stain  to  disfigure  the  escutcheon  of  his  fame. 

I  have  to  remark  further,  that,  to  his  closing  hour,  our  beloved 
brother  retained  the  proper  exercise  of  his  accustomed  powers  of 
mind.  Of,  perhaps,  his  last  sermon,  and  which  was  preached  in 
my  own  pulpit,  I  was  an  auditor.  He  anticipated  the  event,  and 


154  ROBERT  T.  DANIEL. 

made  his  subject  appropriate.  It  was,  "the  Christian  brother- 
hood,"  with  valedictory  addresses,  from  the  text,  2  Cor.  xiii.  11: 
"  Finally,  brethren,  farewell.  Be  perfect,  be  of  good  comfort,  be 
of  one  mind,  live  in  peace,  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall  be 
with  you."  His  body  was  worn  down  and  emaciated  with  disease, 
and  his  voice  was  feeble  and  broken.  He  was  evidently  much 
interested,  and  soon  began  to  kindle  with  animation.  His  eyes 
were  lighted  up  with  their  usual  fire,  and  his  thoughts  sparkled 
with  brilliancy;  but  they  were  like  the  distant  and  momentary 
flickerings  of  the  lightning  in  the  far-off  storm-cloud  which  had 
nearly  passed  away,  and  whose  force  had  been  expended.  He 
tottered  from  the  pulpit  to  his  bed,  where  he  lingered  until  Satur- 
day evening,  the  twelfth  of  last  month.  He  then  called  to  him 
his  sons  resident  in  Paris,  whither,  at  his  solicitation,  his  friends 
had  conveyed  him,  and  announced  to  them  that  he  was  about  to 
go — that  chilly  death  had  commenced  his  actual  work.  He  ex- 
norted  his  friends  and  children  for  the  last  time,  and  gave  his  final 
directions  and  admonitions.  Still  he  lingered.  The  holy  Sabbath 
passed  in  devotion.  Monday  morning  came.  The  sun  in  bright- 
ness rose,  visiting  the  earth  with  light,  and  cheerfulness,  and  joy. 
The  flowers  unlocked  their  stores  of  fragrance ;  and  the  soft 
breeze  reveled  in  sweets ;  and  nature  without  was  gay  and  beau- 
tiful. In  the  chamber  of  disease, — 

"All  around  was  calm, 
While  on  the  bed  of  death  the  pious  saint 
Was  waiting  for  his  passport.     Not  a  voice 
Broke  on  that  holy  stillness — not  a  groan 
To  tell  of  nature's  sufferings,  met  the  ear, 
All — all  was  peace.     The  healing  aid 
Was  proffered  by  the  hand  of  love,  but  he, 
The  dying  one,  now  knew  his  hour  had  come, 
And  looked,  alone,  to  Him  on  whom  his  soul 
So  long  had  rested.     With  an  eye  of  faith 
He  saw  the  heavens  opened — waiting  spirits  stood 
To  bear  him  upward ;  and  he  seemed  to  hear 
Some  notes  from  angels'  minstrelsy." 

He  had  given  his  all  to  God,  and  only  whispered  audibly,  and 
these  were  his  last  words,  "Lord  Jesus,  receive  my  spirit," — and 
fell  asleep ;  he  breathed  no  more.  There  lay  his  body,  but  the 


WILLIAM   Y.  HITER.  155 

BOU!  had  fled;  had  risen  to  tune  its  golden  harp  in  the  presence 
of  the  Saviour.  He  who  had  wept,  and  toiled,  and  prayed  so 
much,  had  gone  to  dwell  with  those  who,  long  before,  had  crossed 
the  flood  of  gloomy  Jordan.  We  will  not  now  ask,  we  have  not 
time  to  meditate  the  inquiries,  How  could  he  be  spared  ?  Who  is 
to  take  his  place  in.the  battle-field?  God  is  infinitely  good  and 
wise. 

We  will  only  add,  that  not  a  pang  or  groan  marked  his  de- 
parture. "  Ravished  with  a  view  of  heaven's  glories,  lie  forgot  to 
live,"  and  left  upon  his  pale  corpse,  now  a  ruin,  such  a  peaceful 
smile  as  well  might  prove  his  victory  in  death.  Sweet,  like  "the 
breath  of  air  that  stirs  the  harp's  soft  string,"  was  his  exit.  Oh 
'tis  gain  thus  to  die  !  When  rich  atoning  blood  purifies  the  spirit, 
and  faith  lays  her  strong  hand  on  the  blessed  Lamb,  who  bore 
our  load  of  guilt  and  woe,  then  darkness  flies  away,  and  through 
the  dreary  vale  of  the  king  of  terrors  a  glory  shines  which  tells 
of  immortality.  And  there  are  angel  bands  of  bright  attendants, 
angel  notes  to  greet  the  joyful  spirit,  as  it  bursts  away  from  its 
cold  prison,  and  beyond  that  valley  all  is  God  and  HEAVEN.  Rest, 
bright  spirit,  in  thy  home  of  bliss.  Walk,  until  we  meet  thee 
there,  the  starry  pavements  of  the  skies.  Wear,  joyfully,  the 
trophies  of  thy  victory — thy  robes  of  light,  and  thy  glorious 
crown. 


WILLIAM    Y.  HITER. 

WILLIAM  Y.  HITER  occupied  a  large  space  in  the  affections  of 
Kentucky  and  Virginia  Baptists,  among  whom  he  had  gone 
preaching  the  gospel.  He  was  born  in  Stafford  County,  Virginia, 
September  28th,  1778.  When  he  was  quite  a  child,  his  parents 
removed  to  Kentucky,  and  a  large  part  of  his  early  life  was  spent 
in  that  State.  His  father  and  mother  were  both  pious,  and 
sought  to  bring  up  their  children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition 
of  the  Lord.  The  fact  is  abundantly  sustained,  that  while  here- 
ditary religion  is  not  of  those  thiugs  which,  like  reputation,  honor, 


156  WILLIAM   Y.  HITER. 

v 

or  wealth,  may  be  enjoyed  by  connection  with  pious  parents, 
nevertheless  such  relationship  is  a  blessing  which  cannot  be  too 
highly  prized.  It  often  insures,  and  ought  always  to  insure,  proper 
family  government  and  judicious  religious  instruction.  How  many 
thousands  have  found  reason  to  magnify  the  Divine  grace  de- 
veloped in  the  experience  of  an  early  training  in  the  fear  of  the 
Lord !  Thus  did  the  subject  of  this  biography  rejoice. 

The  ministry  of  the  Craigs  in  Kentucky  was  the  honored  means 
of  Mr  Hiter's  conversion.  He  had,  to  some  extent,  notwith- 
standing the  strong  religious  influence  of  the  home-circle,  yielded 
to  skeptical  thoughts  and  feelings.  He  afterwards  often  alluded 
to  this  period  of  life  and  the  tendencies  of  his  own  carnal  mind, 
as  an  evidence  of  the  doctrine  of  human  depravity,  and  of  the 
sovereignly  of  that  grace  which  subdued  and  brought  him  near 
to  God.  After  struggling  in  his  infidelity  against  the  gospel  sys- 
tem and  the  remonstrances  of  conscience,  he  came  at  length  to 
yield  to  the  power  of  truth.  He  saw  that,  as  a  sinner,  he  was 
left  utterly  hopeless  and  wretched  without  the  gospel;  more  than 
this,  he  felt  satisfied  that,  in  coming  to  Christ,  every  want  of  his 
spiritual  nature  was  met  and  relieved.  It  need  not  excite  surprise 
that  an  elevated  joy  possessed  his  heart  as  he  then  fled  for  refuge 
to  the  Great  Redeemer. 

This  occurred  in  1801.  The  same  year  he  entered  the  ministry. 
As  early  opportunities  for  mental  cultivation  had  been  scanty, 
and  the  vastness  of  the  work  strongly  impressed  him,  he  deter- 
mined to  engage  in  a  course  of  preparatory  study.  For  the  pur- 
pose of  securing  the  requisite  means  a  school  was  opened,  and 
the  employment  of  teaching  for  some  time  pursued.  In  those 
days  no  facilities  for  ministerial  improvement  were  enjoyed.  Not 
a  single  college  or  seminary  of  learning,  under  the  care  of  the 
Baptists,  was  found  in  the  South,  and  but  one  at  the  North;  nor 
were  the  churches  awake  to  the  importance  of  providing  for  the 
intellectual  culture  of  the  rising  ministry.  Young  Hiter  saw  and 
felt  the  necessity,  and  determined,  as  far  as  possible,  to  supply  it. 
Providing  by  his  own  labor  the  funds,  he  pursued  a  course  of 
study,  and  succeeded  in  making  himself  a  tolerable  English 
scholar.  Attention  was  also  given  to  general  reading,  and  es- 
pecially to  the  examination  of  the  sacred  Scriptures ;  and  thus 


WILLIAM   Y.  HITER.  157 

he  became,  in  a  good  degree,  qualified  for  the  proclamation  and 
defence  of  the  gospel. 

The  earlier  ministerial  labors  of  Elder  Hiter  were  confined  to 
the  Western  country.  Yarious  portions  of  Kentucky  were  visited ; 
and  with  all  the  ardor  of  his  new-found  joy  he  commended  the 
character  and  work  of  the  Saviour,  in  whom  he  trusted.  He  then 
passed  over  to  Tennessee,  for  some  time  laboring  in  destitute 
places.  During  this  tour  a  special  success  seems  to  have  at- 
tended his  ministrations,  an  extensive  revival  of  religion  being 
enjoyed.  While  there,  prosecuting  his  work,  a  violent  sickness 
arrested  him,  and  for  months  the  probabilities  of  recovery  were 
doubtful.  This  trial  eventuated  in  good.  It  served  to  strengthen 
those  hopes  and  joys  which  had  been  so  recently  begotten,  and  to 
endear  the  more  to  him  the  Saviour  he  had  proclaimed.  In  the 
sick-room,  before  the  recovery  of  health,  opportunity  also  was 
given  for  testimony  on  behalf  of  the  Divine  claim  and  service. 
It  is  said  that  there,  lying  upon  his  couch,  h.e  preached  Jesus  to 
all  who  came  in,  and  was  made  useful  to  many.  This  was  in  op- 
position to  the  remonstrances  of  his  attending  physician,  who 
feared  the  effects  of  these  exciting  influences.  He  said :  "  Doctor, 
I  must  speak  of  Christ,  even  if  I  die  in  the  attempt."  Several 
who  thus  heard  him  were  deeply  affected ;  and  afterwards  pro- 
fessing faith  in  Christ,  and  being  baptized,  pointed  to  these 
appeals  as  the  means  of  their  conversion. 

Somewhere  about  the  year  1810,  Mr.  Hiter  came  to  the  Old 
Dominion,  in  company  with  Elder  William  Warder.  It  was  de- 
signed as  a  brief  visit.  But  He  who  shapes  our  lives  and  fixes 
the  bounds  of  our  habitation,  had  purposes  to  fulfill  in  the  pro- 
motion of  his  own  glory,  by  retaining  him  to  be  a  laborer  in  his 
native  State.  Shortly  after  his  arrival  he  attended  the  meeting 
of  the  Goshen  Association,  held  at  Little  River  Church,  Louisa 
County,  on  the  third  Saturday  in  October,  1810.  He  was  re- 
cognized as  a  visiting  minister  from  Kentucky,  and  appointed 
with  Semple  and  Broaddus  to  preach  on  Lord's  day.  Staying 
awhile  in  Albermarle  County,  and  his  ministry  being  attended 
with  marked  success,  he  was  induced  to  remain,  taking  up  his 
abode  with  Elder  Benjamin  Burgher. 

Here  he  prosecuted  his  ministry,  employing  much  of  his  time  in 

VOL.  IT.  14 


158  WILLIAM   Y.  IIITER. 

study.  Mr.  Burgher,  then  a  father  in  the  gospel,  and  a  man  of 
large  scriptural  knowledge,  took  a  special  interest  in  his  progress 
and  welfare.  How  much  this  young  man  was  dependent  upon 
the  counsels  and  instruction  of  the  more  experienced  leader  with 
whom  he  thus  became  intimate,  is  not  for  us  to  say;  but  it  is  an 
interesting  fact,  that  in  those  days  some  amends  were  made  for 
the  deficient  means  of  scholastic  education  by  the  kindly  influence 
of  the  older  ministers.  Traveling  often  to  distant  points,  the 
more  intelligent  and  established  proclaimer  of  the  gospel  would 
receive  as  a  companion  some  Timothy  or  Titus,  and  the  tedious, 
weary  journey  would  be  passed  in  the  investigation  of  scriptural 
truth. 

During  his  stay  in  Albermarle  County,  his  labors  were  ex- 
tensive in  that  and  the  adjoining  County  of  Nelson.  He  was 
quite  intimate  with  a  Presbyterian  minister  by  the  name  of  Robin- 
son, preaching  much  with  him.  During  a  revival  which  occurred 
under  their  ministry,  most  of  the  converts  joined  the  Baptists; 
and  it  is  said,  that  one  entire  Pedobaptist  congregation  was 
brought  to  follow  Christ  in  baptism,  through  his  instrumentality, 
and  became  a  Baptist  church.  Though  maintaining  a  friendly 
intercourse  with  the  truly  pious  of  other  denominations,  no  man 
was  more  sound  and  decided  than  he  in  the  great  peculiarities  of 
the  Baptist  churches. 

Several  extensive  tours  were  taken  by  him  in  all  the  lower 
counties  of  the  State,  and  afterwards  in  Orange,  Culpepper,  Lou- 
don,  and  Frederick  Counties,  preaching  day  and  night  with  zeal 
and  tendernessf  and  many  were  the  seals  to  his  ministry.  His 
surviving  companion  mentions,  that  about  this  period  thirty  per- 
sons professed  to  be  awakened  under  one  sermon.  In  1811  and 

1812  he  was  present  at  the  meeting  of  the  Ketockton  Association, 
and  filled  a  prominent  place  in  the  preaching  arrangements.     In 

1813  he  attended  the  Anniversary  of  the  Dover  Association. 

As  illustrative  of  the  extent  of  his  labors  at  this  period,  and 
the  state  of  his  mind,  we  here  introduce  a  few  extracts  from  his 
diary : — 

"August  5th,  1811.  Preached  to  a  small  congregation  at 
Mountain  Plain,  from  Romans,  iii  12.  Enjoyed  the  presence  of 
the  Lord.  My  heart  glowed  with  love,  and  I  preached  with  more 


WILLIAM   Y.  HITER.  159 

than  common  liberty.  The  effect  was  great :  some  aloud  praised 
the  Lord.  Brother  Burgher  exhorted  with  much  power.  I  hope 
the  Lord  is  reviving  his  work.  How  kind  a  master  is  the  blessed 
Jesus !  What  shall  I  render  to  him  for  all  his  benefits  ? 

'  When  all  thy  mercies,  0  my  God, 

My  rising  soul  surveys, 
Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost 
In  wonder,  love,  and  praise.' 

"August  6th.  Preached  to  my  attentive  congregation  at  Char- 
lottsville  from  John,  xiv.  23.  Enjoyed  some  freedom  of  thought. 
Went  with  my  friend,  Mr.  Kelly.  Affected  with  distress  in  con- 
templating the  condition  of  men,  but  enjoyed  comfort  in  prayer 
with  the  family;  then  wrote  letters  till  midnight. 

"August  7th.  Preached  at  Priddies  Creek  to  a  goodly  num- 
ber. Considerable  effect  in  the  congregation.  May  Jesus  own 
his  word  and  make  it  a  blessing  to  many !  Lodged  at  Colonel 
Branham's,  and  on  the  next  day  preached  at  Blue  Run. 

"August  9th.  The  day  being  rainy,  I  remained  at  Orange  C.  H. 
until  after  dinner,  then  rode  to  Brother  Garnett's  and  spent 
the  night  with  him.  He  is  a  pleasant,  pious  disciple,  having 
plead  his  Master's  cause  forty  years. 

"August  10th.  Went  to  Mount  Poney,  in  Culpepper  County. 
Here  I  met  the  truly  pious  and  venerable  William  Mason,  and 
Rev.  Daniel  James.  Brother  Mason  looks  like  one  on  his  way 
to  glory;  how  delightful  to  see  an  old  man  devoted  to  God !" 

The  journal  proceeds  until  the  fifteenth,  when  he  arrived  at  the 
Ketockton  Association,  where  he  met  with  Richards  of  Baltimore, 
Mason,  Fristoe,  Moore,  Toler,  and  others  of  the  giants  of  that 
day.  Among  other  things,  he  says :  "  I  am  delighted  with  Brother 
Toler ;  he  is  one  of  the  most  pleasant  companions." 

On  the  nineteenth  he  preached  at  Bethel,  Frederick  County,  in 
company  with  Toler,  and  at  night  at  the  house  of  Brother  Sowers, 
and  says:  "We  have  had  a  delightful  season.  Bless  the  Lord, 
0  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me,  bless  his  holy  name !" 

The  next  day  he  preached  at  Buck  Marsh,  and  again  at  night. 
Then  he  and  Elder  Toler  continued  together  many  days,  preaching 
day  and  night.  He  mentions  the  name  of  Thomas  Buck,  near 


160  WILLIAM   Y.  niTER. 

Front  Royal,  and  speaks  of  him  as  a  singular  man,  because,  as  a 
man  of  wealth,  he  was  eminently  pious,  "rich  in  faith  and  in 
every  good  work."  On  the  thirtieth,  they  attended  the  meeting 
of  the  Culpepper  Association,  at  New  Market. 

On  the  fifth  of  September  he  preached  at  the  Grove,  Fauquier 
County,  to  a  very  large  assembly.  "Here,"  he  says,  "many  were 
in  tears ;  I  met  many  of  my  father's  old  friends,  some  of  whom  I 
remembered  to  have  seen  when  a  child.  I  had  been  away  about 
twenty-seven  years,  and  all  seemed  delighted  to  see  me.  On 
meeting  so  many  I  was  solemnly  impressed,  knowing  how  rapidly 
time  has  passed  away.  The  fashion  of  this  world  perisheth :  how 
vain  are  all  things  here  below !  Learn,  0  my  soul,  to  live  above 
the  world  and  near  to  the  blessed  Jesus.  Let  me  make  religion 
the  great  concern,  laying  up  treasure  in  heaven.  At  night 
lodged  at  Mr.  Sanford's,  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  the  place 
where  I  was  born,  and  preached  to  a  small  congregation." 

Thus  for  the  space  of  three  years  after  leaving  Kentucky,  and 
previous  to  his  marriage,  Mr.  Hiter  employed  much  time  in  evan- 
gelistic labors,  extending  his  visits  to  distant  portions  of  the 
State,  and  everywhere  being  received  most  cordially.  Eternity 
alone  will  develop  the  blessed  results  of  these  self-appointed  mis- 
sionary excursions.  About  this  time,  in  one  of  his  note-books 
the  following  was  inserted:  "Notes  designed  to  aid  me  in  the 
great  work  of  preaching  the  precious  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God. 
To  this  gospel  I  ascribe  my  conversion  ;  from  it  has  followed  my 
chief  pleasure ;  and,  to  promote  its  diffusion,  I  have  read,  prayed, 
and  labored  much.  For  thirteen  years  of  my  past  life  I  have 
preached,  as  nearly  as  I  can  calculate,  about  four  thousand  sermons. 
On  this  gospel  I  found  all  my  future,  immortal  hopes.  Living 
and  dying,  I  wish  to  recommend  it  to  mankind  as  the  appointment 
of  God,  for  the  display  of  his  glory  in  the  eternal  salvation  of  all 
who  believe." 

Four  thousand  sermons  in  thirteen  years !  What  prodigious 
labors  were  these  !  It  may  be  asked,  how  could  he  find  time  to 
mature  his  thoughts  and  to  prepare  himself  for  the  instruction  of 
the  people  ?  In  the  first  place,  it  must  be  understood  that  he 
often  preached  twice  and  three  times  in  the  day,  and  then,  travel- 
ing much  and  preaching  to  different  congregations,  the  need  of 


WILLIAM   Y.  HITER.  161 

variety  was  not  felt.  But  especially  it  was  to  be  accounted  for  by 
the  fact  that  he,  with  most  of  the  more  intelligent  early  preachers, 
acquired  the  habit  of  study,  especially  of  God's  Word,  on  horse- 
back. The  Bible  was  their  theological  library,  and  from  its  ample 
stores  they  secured  their  topics  of  discourse,  their  arguments,  and 
illustrations.  These  men  of  blessed  memory  were  not  wanting  in 
rich  thought  and  imagery,  though  their  discourses  would  now  be 
deemed  especially  by  the  fastidious,  rude  and  unpolished.  It  ought 
to  be  said,  too,  that  they  were  in  fact  as  well  as  in  name,  simple 
preachers  of  the  gospel.  Theirs  it  was  to  tell  of  Jesus  and  his 
dying  love.  They  commended  the  divinely  appointed  remedy  for 
a  universal  disease. 

What  is  said  above  was  eminently  true  of  Elder  Hiter.  He 
was  a  proclaimer  of  the  glad  tidings.  His  soul  was  stirred 
within  him  as  he  beheld  the  wonderful  character  and  work  of 
Jesus  the  Saviour.  He  knew,  by  bitter  experience,  the  evil  of 
sin.  The  curse  of  the  law  had  rested  upon  him,  and  having  felt 
the  power  of  the  gospel  in  its  removal,  he  longed  to  see  others 
sharing  in  a  similar  blessing.  That  they  might  enjoy  it  he  was 
willing  to  spend  and  to  be  spent. 

Up  to  this  period  of  life  the  biographer  is  not  aware  that  Mr. 
Hiter  had  served  any  churches  as  their  regular  pastor.  He  may 
have  been  engaged  in  a  supply ;  but,  in  reference  to  this,  distinct 
information  is  not  secured.  An  important  change  now  occurred 
in  his  history.  In  1813  he  entered  into  the  marriage  relation 
with  Miss  Jane  Goodwin,  of  Louisa  County;  and  this  event  gave 
a  somewhat  new  shape  to  his  history,  bringing  him  more  directly 
into  the  pastoral  work.  Although  he  still  continued  to  travel,  as 
circumstances  would  allow,  the  claims  of  his  family,  to  which  he 
was  much  endeared,  rendered  it  absolutelty  necessary  he  should 
remain  more  generally  at  home. 

The  first  year  after  his  marriage  he  lived  with  his  wife's  father, 
and  during  this  time  he  had  charge  of  a  church  sixty  miles  dis- 
tant, in  Nelson  County,  preaching  one  Sunday  in  each  month. 
He  also  served  other  churches  contiguous  to  his  home,  preaching 
faithfully  and  laboring  among  them  in  the  Lord.  Thus  he  con- 
tinued several  years. 

From  his  journal,  in  1 820,  we  extract  the  following : — 

VOL.  II. — L  14* 


162  WILLIAM  Y.  HITER. 

"  Sunday.  I  preached  at  Upper  King  and  Queen ;  the  former 
part  of  ray  sermon  was  dry,  but  toward  the  close  the  blessed 
Jesus  was  near  by  his  Holy  Spirit.  A  solemn  and  pleasing  effect 
throughout  the  large  assembly  was  manifest.  It  was,  indeed,  a 
time  of  love,  such  as  I  had  seen  before  at  that  place.  Brother 
Semple  also  preached  from  Acts,  xxvi.  23.  Love  and  joy  seemed 
to  prevail.  After  preaching,  it  was  delightful  to  hear  the  songs 
of  praise  resounding  from  the  Lord's  people.  Dined  at  Brother 
Pendleton's;  slept  at  Brother  Dew's. 

"Monday.  At  Beulah,  King  William  County,  spoke  from  Psalm 
iii.  8  ;  had  unusual  liberty,  and  enjoyed  a  precious  season  with  my 
brethren,  a  number  of  whom  are  my  spiritual  children.  They 
seemed  overjoyed  to  meet  me.  How  thankful  and  humbled  ought 
I  to  be  that  the  great  and  glorious  God  should  make  use  of  so 
feeble  and  unworthy  a  creature  as  I  am  !  Not  unto  me,  but  unto 
thy  name  give  glory.  At  night,  preached  at  Brother  Gwathmey's; 
a  sweet,  delightful  season.  The  flame  kindled  iu  the  day  con- 
tinued to  burn  at  night,  and  the  joy  of  the  saints  was  great. 

"  Here  I  met  with  a  precious  volume,  entitled  '  Solitude  Sweet- 
ened,' which  I  must  procure  to  present  to  my  dear  wife.  It  will 
be  a  blessing  to  her,  imparting  consolation,  and  sweetening  her 
solitude,  when  I  shall  be  away  preaching  the  glorious  gospel. 

"  Though  I  left  home  with  some  difficulty  in  making  the  present 
excursion,  yet  I  now  feel  satisfied  that  I  am  in  the  path  of  duty, 
performing  the  work  allotted  me.  In  leaving  a  dear  family  I 
cheerfully  make  the  sacrifice  and  bear  the  cross. 

"Brother  John  Temple  met  me  in  the  evening,  praying  with 
much  fervor  and  enlargement  of  heart. 

"Tuesday  morning.  To-day  I  expect  to  preach  at  the  Reedy 
Mills.    O  my  God,  let  thy  Spirit  rest  upon  me ;  let  thy  presence 
go  with  me.     Keep  me  humble,  crown  my  labors  with  success,  / 
and  thine  shall  be  the  glory.     God  is  daily  carrying  on  his  workT^ 
and  fulfilling  his  promises.     He  that  keeps  Israel,  never  slumbers 
nor  sleeps.     How  blest  are  all   his  people  under  his  guardian 
care!     He  gives  'grace  and  glory,  and- no  good  thing  will  he 
withhold  from  them  that  walk  uprightly.'     Then,  my  soul,  wait 
thou  only  upon  God. 

"Rode  ten  miles  after  meeting  at  Reedy  Mills,  with  Brother 


WILLIAM   Y.  IIITER.  103 

Gwathmey,  to  Brother  Temple's,  where  I  enjoyed  a  pleasant 
evening. 

"Wednesday.  Preached  at  Mangohick.  In  the  evening  had  a 
happy  exercise  in  prayer ;  was  enabled  to  put  my  trust  in  God,  to 
commit  my  family  to  his  tender  care,  resting  satisfied  that  he  will 
dispose  of  all  his  creatures  on  principles  of  wisdom  and  right- 
eousness. Just  heard  from  Brother  Temple,  that  Miss  C.  D.  was 
awakened  from  some  conversation  with  me  one  evening  at  her 
father's.  I  desire  to  be  humbled,  and  to  adore  the  grace  of  God 
in  her  conversion. 

"From  the  great  affection  manifest  by  the  brethren,  and  the 
many  requests  I  have  to  visit  them  again,  I  am  inclined,  as  soon 
as  duty  permits,  to  see  them  again,  and  to  preach  unto  them  the 
things  of  the  kingdom." 

Some  time  after  this,-  he  repeated  his  visit  to  the  churches  of 
Caroline  and  King  William,  and  King  and  Queen  Counties.  His 
journal  notes  particularly  the  occurrences  of  each  day.  He 
usually  preached  twice  every  day.  Among  other  things,  he 


"Left  home  and  rode  thirty-three  miles,  and  lodged  with  a 
friend,  who  told  me  that  conversion  was  experienced  under  my 
preaching  twenty-four  years  ago.  The  next  morning  a  servant 
was  sent  several  miles  to  show  me  the  way.  Rode  thirteen  miles 
to  Bethel.  Preached  from  One  Hundred  and  Forty-fourth  Psalm. 
A  pleasant  effect  seemed  to  be  produced.  Old  Brother  Woolfolk 
seemed  much  aroused.  Here  Brother  Hargrove,  from  Reedy 
Mills,  met  me,  and  continued  with  me  till  Saturday.  Yisited 
Brother  Bullard  in  the  evening ;  he  is  very  sick.  At  his  request, 
read  the  Scriptures,  lectured,  and  prayed.  The  promise  was  re- 
alized 'where  two  or  three  are  gathered,'  etc.  Left  Brother  Bul- 
lard in  tears,  expressing  a  hope  of  meeting  me  in  heaven.  Here 
I  was  informed  of  the  death  of  old  Sister  Gwathmey.  What  a 
dying  world !  May  I  be  ready  when  the  summons  comes  ! 

"Preached  at  Providence.  After  meeting,  rode  to  Brother 
Hargrove's  ;  found  a  pleasant  family.  Brother  Norment  and  old 
Sister  Graves  came  in.  After  early  supper  I  lectured  on  the  last 
verse  of  the  Twenty-seventh  Psalm.  We  had  a  refreshing 
season." 


164  WILLIAM   Y.  HITER. 

He  thus  proceeds  to  notice  his  tour,  and  the  very  pleasant  in* 
terviews  he  enjoyed  with  brethren  Dr.  Gwathmey,  Baylor  Hill, 
Semple,  Courtney,  Trice,  Montague,  Somervail,  Broaddus,  and 
others,  and  speaks  of  numbers  who  dated  their  religious  impres- 
sions and  conversion  to  his  former  labors  in  that  region.  The 
last  day  of  the  tour,  he  says:  "After  preaching,  rode  eighteen 
miles,  and,  lecturing  in  the  evening,  retired  to  rest.  Reviewing 
my  tour,  I  had  a  feeling  sense  of  the  Lord's  goodness  to  me,  an 
unworthy  sinner.  My  heart  glowed  with  love;  peace  was  my 
pillow  all  night." 

The  next  day  he  rode  home  twenty-three  miles.  He  says: 
"Found  all  well,  and  feel  humbled  and  thankful  to  the  Lord  for 
his  goodness  to  me.  Though  no  special  revival  was  enjoyed  hi 
this  tour,  I  have  witnessed  refreshing  seasons.  In  many  places 
I  was  met  by  those  who  ascribed  their  conversion  to  my  unworthy 
labors.  To  God  be  all  the  glory !  May  I  live  more  entirely  de- 
voted to  him !" 

From  the  time  of  Elder  Hiter's  marriage  to  his  death,  he 
served  diiferent  churches  at  different  times,  the  principal  of  which 
were  Lower  Gold  Mine,  Upper  Gold  Mine,  Forter's  Creek,  arid 
Laurel  Spring.  Among  these  churches  he  won  for  himself  the 
appellation  of  one  beloved,  for  his  work's  sake,  and  for  the  truth's 
sake.  They  were  built  up  and  rendered  efficient  through  his  in- 
strumentality. 

He  was,  in  many  respects,  qualified  to  exercise  a  beneficial 
influence.  His  manner  in  the  pulpit,  being  free  from  all  affecta- 
tion, indicated  a  sincere  heart.  He  spoke  with  earnestiie>s,  but 
not  with  vehemence.  The  pathetic  and  tender  were  chief  elements 
in  his  oratory.  Tears  would  often  freely  flow  as  he  addressed  the 
perishing  or  his  own  brethren  in  Christ.  None  could  listen  to 
him  without  being  satisfied  that  he  was  "honest  in  a  sacred  cause." 
His  style  was  unstudied  and  plain,  and  yet  in  good  taste,  so  that 
the  most  intelligent  of  his  hearers  were  gratified  with  the  oppor- 
tunity of  sitting  under  his  ministry. 

One  of  the  most  remarkable  traits  of  Elder  Hiter's  character 
consisted  in  his  indomitable  energy  and  perseverance.  Nothing 
could  deter  him  from  the  prosecution  of  the  path  of  duty.  Hud 
he  lived  and  labored  with  Harriss  and  the  Craigs,  in  the  days 


WILLIAM  Y.  HITER.  105 

which  tried  men's  souls,  he  would  as  readily  as  any  of  them  have 
gone  to  prison  and  suffered  shame  for  his  Master's  cause.  Allu- 
sion has  already  been  made  to  the  number  of  sermons  preached 
by  him  before  his  marriage.  It  is  supposed,  by  one  prepared  to 
estimate,  that  during  the  forty-seven  years  of  his  ministry  he 
delivered  not  far  from  ten  thousand  discourses. 

Referring  to  the  great  work  of  the  ministry,  in  which  he  so 
much  delighted,  he  remarks :  "  I  would  admonish  my  young 
brethren  in  the  ministry  to  work  while  it  is  day,  because  the  night 
speedily  cometh  when  no  man  can  work.  Young  brethren,  when 
you  step  into  the  pulpit,  if  you  can,  bar  the  door  against  vanity 
and  pride.  If  you  are  learned,  pray  do  not  let  the  people  know 
it,  unless  they  can  find  it  out  by  your  speaking  so  simply  and 
plainly  that  every  poor  negro  and  child  in  the  congregation  can 
understand  every  word  you  say  and  everything  you  mean.  I  do 
not  expect  all  that  gravity  and  simplicity  in  youth  that  I  do  in 
aged  and  experienced  ministers,  but  surely  we  may  look  for,  at 
least,  as  much  diffidence.  If  mere  popular  applause  were  aimed 
at,  in  being  self-important,  and  seeming  to  be  on  very  good  terms 
with  himself,  he  is  taking  the  wrong  end  of  the  road  to  secure 
even  that  bubble.  Humility  is  the  lovely  dress  of  heaven,  and 
well  becomes  poor,  miserable,  dying  sinners,  particularly  the 
minister  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Saviour,  when,  in  the  presence  of 
the  Mighty  God,  he  is  addressing  his  fellow-sinners  to  be  recon- 
ciled to  their  Creator,  that  they  may  escape  an  eternal  hell  and 
live,  forever  blessed,  in  heaven." 

The  type  of  his  piety  was  decided.  All  recognized  him  as  an 
eminently  religious  man.  This,  perhaps,  as  much  as  anything 
else,  gave  him  influence  as  a  preacher.  Uniformity  of  devotion 
characterized  him.  He  seemed  to  live  and  move  as  always  under 
the  Divine  inspection.  Whether  in  the  family,  in  the  places  of 
business,  in  the  church,  in  the  social  circle,  or  in  the  pulpit,  the 
same  unvarying  humility  and  love  presented  themselves.  He  was 
always  grave,  but  never  austere ;  a  pleasant,  companionable  man. 

This  leads  us  to  notice  a  fact  in  his  history  which  deserves  to 
be  remembered  by  all  ministers  of  the  gospel.  He  felt  a  lively 
interest  in  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  young.  This  continued  to 
the  close  of  life.  The  youth  of  his  congregations  regarded  him 


166  WILLIAM  Y.  HITER. 

as  a  father.  In  approaching  them,  his  was  not  the  austerity  of  a 
gloomy  old  man,  but  the  spirit  of  an  affectionate  counselor.  They 
shrunk  not  from  his  presence,  for  his  manner  and  spirit  were 
inviting  and  lovely.  They  saw  exemplified  in  the  even  cheerful- 
ness of  his  daily  life  the  blessed  effects  of  the  gospel.  On  one 
occasion,  addressing  the  young,  he  said : — 

"lean  point  out  some  of  the  advantages  attendant  on  early 
piety.  I  say  some,  for  no  man  can  enumerate  them  all.  Yon 
will  be  brought  out  of  darkness  into  marvelous  light ;  you  will 
pass  from  death  unto  life.  The  bonds  of  sin  and  death  will  be 
broken,  and  you  will  enjoy  the  liberty  of  the  children  of  God. 
Your  sins  and  iniquities  will  all  be  forgiven  ;  you  will  be  justified, 
and  clothed  in  the  righteousness  of  the  Lord  Jesus ;  you  will  be 
introduced  into  fellowship  with  God,  the  fountain  of  all  good. 
Then  will  you  know,  by  sweet  experience,  what  it  is  to  feel  the 
presence  and  love  of  Christ.  In  the  exercise  of  a  living  faith 
you  will  mount  up  as  on  eagles'  wings ;  leaving  this  vain  world 
below,  you  will  hold  sweet  converse  with  God  and  holy  beings 
around  the  throne.^  In  all  the  sorrows  of  life  you  will  have  the 
privilege  of  drawing  near  the  mercy-seat,  where  Jesus,  Jehovah, 
meets  his  people.  Remembering  your  Creator,  and  walking  in 
his  ways,  your  character  and  reputation  will  be  safe.  Yes,  young 
friends,  your  piety  will  secure  your  fortunes.  They  will  not  be 
squandered  in  scenes  of  dissipation.  While  pointing  to  you  the 
benefits  of  early  piety  in  the  present  life,  many  and  great  as  they 
are,  we  may  be  regarded  as  only  a  little  earnest,  indicating  a 
foretaste  of  joys  to  come  " 

Warmly  did  Elder  Hiter  sympathize  with  the  plans  now  in 
operation  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel.  Respecting  this  work,  he 
remarks:  "It  is  astonishing  that  any  should  oppose  it  or  refuse 
their  aid.  How  unlike  the  Son  of  God,  whose  love  for  man 
brought  him  from  heaven  to  earth,  and  who  gave  the  great  com- 
mand that  his  word  or  gospel  should  be  published  to  all  nations — 
to  every  creature !  I  am  far  from  denying  there  are  Christians 
who  oppose  Bible  associations  and  other  kindred  associations ; 
yet  I  do,  I  must,  believe  they  are  mistaken  brethren.  They  either 
entertain  wrong  views,  or  their  hearts  are  cold.  Is  it  not  selfish, 
is  it  not  inconsistent,  to  set  a  high  value  on  the  Bible,  and 


WILLIAM  Y.  HITER.  1G7 

remain  careless  about  sending  it  to  others,  who  need  it  as  much 
as  ourselves  ?  Let  us  look  at  the  miserable,  degraded  heathen 
nations.  Earth  has  no  remedy  but  the  gospel.  This  has  been 
found  in  heaven — is  now  committed  to  the  hands  of  Christians. 
Can  we  withhold  it  and  be  guiltless  ?  Who  can  believe  that  the 
Bible,  scattered  among  the  heathen,  will  fail  to  be  the  means  of 
converting  some  poor  wandering  sinner  from  the  error  of  his 
ways  ?  Like  the  handful  of  corn  on  the  top  of  the  mountains,  it 
may  bring  forth  fruit  that  will  shake  like  Lebanon.  It  may  be  as 
the  little  rivulet,  rising  at  the  head  of  some  majestic  river,  deepen- 
ing and  widening  as  it  meanders  to  the  mighty  ocean." 

It  was,  to  this  excellent  man,  an  occasion  of  painful  surprise 
that  any  should  oppose  these  plans,  and  that  a  withdrawal  of 
fellowship,  on  account  of  interest  in  them,  should  be  allowed  by  any. 
Speaking  of  a  visit  to  a  part  of  the  State  where  missions  were 
opposed,  he  says:  "I  was  apprised  of  a  difference  in  sentiment 
existing  between  the  brethren  in  that  region  denominated  the 
'Black  Rock  Association,'  and  the  United  Baptists.  I  found,  as 
to  Christian  fellowship,  there  appears  to  be  but  little ;  unhappily 
for  us,  poor,  depraved,  and  blind  creatures,  who  entertain  different 
views  of  some  parts  of  Divine  Truth,  instead  of  bearing  with  one 
another,  (remembering  what  we  are  ourselves,)  we  indulge  and 
give  way  to  prejudice  and  ill-will.  This  is  surely  a  wrong  state 
of  things,  and  much  to  be  deplored.  When  will  the  professed 
followers  of  the  meek  and  lowly  Redeemer  contend  as  much,  who 
shall  be  most  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  as  they  now  do  who  shall 
be  most  orthodox  ?  No  consistent  Christian  should  or  can  sacri- 
fice one  iota  of  truth  on  the  altar  of  false  charity;  but,  while 
earnestly  contending  for  the  faith,  we  should  never  quarrel  about 
it.  Not  many  of  the  Old- School  Baptists,  as  they  style  them- 
selves, attended  my  appointments.  I  conversed  with  several  of 
them,  who  appeared  to  entertain  clear  views  of  the  obligation  of 
sinners,  who  hear  the  gospel,  to  repent  and  believe  it,  and  who 
expressed  a  dissatisfaction  that  their  own  preachers  did  not  press 
it  on  all  their  hearers  that  they  were  under  obligations  to  obey 
and  worship  God,  as  he  has,  in  modesty  and  mercy,  revealed 
himself  in  the  gospel.  These  seemed  to  be  amiable  and  pious 
people." 


168  WILLIAM  Y.  HITER. 

In  reviewing  the  labors  and  success  of  Mr.  Hiter,  it  is  a  pleasing 
fact,  that  he  was  not  only  clear  and  faithful  in  his  exhibitions  of 
truth,  but  his  system  of  theology  was  symmetrical  and  uniform. 
He  believed  in  the  doctrine  of  God's  sovereignty,  but  he  feared 
not  to  press  the  claims  of  the  gospel  and  the  duty  of  men  to  for- 
sake their  sins  and  believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Writing 
of  those  brethren  who  fail  to  present  these  claims  on  others,  he 
remarks : — 

"  That  salvation  is  all  of  grace  is  the  glory  of  the  gospel,  and 
the  only  foundation  of  the  ruined  sinner's  hope,  is  insisted  on  and 
taught  by  them,  I  rejoice  to  know ;  but  when  the  duty  of  rebel 
sinners  at  once  to  repent,  and  with  the  heart  to  believe  on  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  is  urged  on  them,  they  demur.  A  want  of 
power  or  ability  is  brought  forward  as  an  excuse.  I  dislike,  I 
almost  abhor  the  sound  of  metaphysics  in  divinity  or  in  the  pulpit. 
Without  those  abstruse  and  nice  distinctions  we  should  be  satis- 
fied with  the  plain  and  solemn  decisions  of  the  Bible.  There, 
men — all  men — are  commanded  to  repent ;  their  not  coming  to 
Christ  is  ascribed  wholly  to  a  stubborn  and  voluntary  rebellion. 
Passages  to  this  effect  are  too  numerous  to  quote  and  too  plain 
to  need  a  comment.  In  the  last  day,  destruction  will  come  upon 
them  who  know  not  God  and  obey  not  the  gospel.  To  support 
a  favorite  system  or  theory,  the  blessed,  holy  writings  have  been 
wrested  by  theologians  in  all  ages.  A  system  of  divinity  freed 
from  clouds  and  difficulties,  over  which,  under  which,  and  around 
which  no  darkness  could  be  seen,  has  never  yet  been  framed  by 
mortal  man.  If,  indeed,  such  could  be  made,  it  would  not  be 
analogous  to  the  ways  of  the  unsearchable  God  in  his  glorions 
works  of  creation  and  providence.  The  most  eagle-eyed  doctor 
can  no  more  comprehend  all  the  parts  and  order  of  the  amazing 
scheme  of  mercy,  than  he  can  of  the  whole  of  the  mighty  empire 
of  Providence  or  the  works  of  the  Maker  in  creation.  I  am  no 
part  of  a  standard  for  any  man,  but  I  freely  own  I  have  no  system 
— no,  not  any ;  yet  I  would  forever  adore  and  thank  God  with 
my  whole  soul  that  there  is  a  mighty  Saviour  for  great  sinners. 
I  hope  in  the  light  of  eternal  day  to  be  wise.  It  does  seem  to  me, 
as  light  and  knowledge  shall  increase,  that  the  purport  of  the  gospel 
will  be  better  understood,  and  that  not  a  Christian,  or  not  a  preacher, 


WILLIAM  Y.  HITER.  169 

at  any  rate,  will  entertain  a  doubt  whether  the  hearers  of  the 
gospel  are  bound  to  obey  it,  or  they  reject  it. " 

We  must  not  close  this  sketch  without  an  allusion  to  the  happy 
influence  exercised  by  Elder  Hiter  in  the  family  circle.  A  man 
of  warm  and  tender  sensibilities,  such  as  he  possessed,  could  not 
but  be  qualified  to  make  his  home  happy.  He  loved  the  society 
of  his  children.  His  chief  concern  was  their  salvation.  Writing 
to  me  of  these,  he  says:  "For  several  days  past  I  have  felt  more 
than  common  anxiety  for  your  salvation.  By  day  and  by  night 
I  have  tried  to  pray  for  you  and  your  brothers.  The  dreadful 
thought  has  often  occurred,  what  if  you  were  to  die  in  sin  ?  You 
would  be  miserable  forever.  I  fear  I  have  not  talked  to  you  as 
much  as  I  ought.  I  fear  my  conduct  has  not  been  as  upright  as 
it  should  have  been.  Look  over  my  imperfections,  and  seek  a 
spotless  religion  in  the  blessed  Bible.  I  indulge  the  hope  that 
in  our  expected  tour  you  will  hear  something  from  some  of  the 
Lord's  servants  which  will  prove  the  means  of  your  eternal  peace. 
Yesterday,  while  you  were  preparing  a  dress  for  the  body,  I  could 
not  but  pray  that  your  soul  might  be  arrayed  in  the  garments  of 
salvation,  and  that  you  might  be  found  worthy  to  sit  down  in 
glory  at  the  marriage  supper  of  the  Lamb." 

At  another  time,  in  view  of  the  marriage  of  a  daughter,  he 
writes  to  her  thus :  "As  this  is  the  last  day  of  your  single  state 
you  will  ever  spend  with  me  and  your  dear  mother,  I  cannot 
forbear  addressing  you.  I  am  distressed  at  parting  with  you. 
Nothing  pierces  my  heart  like  the  thought  of  your  leaving  me, 
unconverted — a  stranger  to  my  God  and  Saviour.  You  are  no 
more  to  kneel  with  me,  evening  and  morning,  at  the  mercy-seat. 
I  fear  I  have  uot  discharged  my  duty  to  you.  I  am  a  frail  and 
sinful  man,  and  need  daily  forgiveness.  Your  aged  father  and 
mother  will  often  pray  for  you  and  your  husband.  I  shall  give 
you  a  Bible ;  and  remember,  when  you  read,  a  praying  father  tells 
you  it  will  guide  you  to  eternal  life." 

We  approach  the  close  of  this  good  man's  life.  It  had  been 
well  filled,  and  almost  to  its  very  last  he  continued  to  preach  the 
gospel.  He  loved  the  work.  "  In  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity" 
he  wrought  in  his  office.  Perhaps  this  phrase  expresses  more 
strongly  than  aay  other  the  characteristics  of  his  ministry.  He 

VOL.  II.  15 


170  WILLIAM   TODD. 

said :  "If  I  had  my  life  to  go  over  again,  I  would  try  to  devote 
it  more  entirely  to  preaching  a  Saviour  to  a  lost  world.  My  heart 
is  yet  revived,  retaining  in  some  measure  a  sweet  savor  of 
heavenly  things,  feeling  strong  desires  to  devote  the  evening  of 
life  in  trying  to  do  good." 

Thus  he  lived,  and  thus  he  died.     He  was  prepared  for  his 
end,  and  met  it  calmly,  in  the  month  of  September,  1848. 


WILLIAM  TODD. 

MORE  than  thirty  years  before  his  death,  we  remember  to  have 
seen,  for  the  first  time,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  at  an  associational 
meeting.  He  was  then  in  the  vigor  of  manhood,  performing,  in 
a  business-like  manner,  the  duties  of  a  clerk.  Since  that  period, 
it  has  been  our  privilege  often  to  unite  with  him  in  the  services 
of  God's  house  on  anniversary  occasions.  He  has  always  indi- 
cated a  deep  interest  in  the  cause  and  glory  of  Christ,  and  we  feel 
happy  now  to  record  this  brief  memorial  of  his  excellence  as  a 
man  and  a  Christian.  The  more  particular  reference  to  the  facts 
of  his  history  is  contained  in  the  following  sketch,  found  in 
the  Minutes  of  the  Rappahannock  Association  for  1857.  This 
was  prepared  by  Rev.  Alfred  Bagby,  who  from  earliest  childhood 
had  been  familiar  with  his  character  and  labors. 

"WILLIAM  TODD  was  born  in  King  William  County,  Virginia, 
October  13th,  1778.  He  was  the  son  of  Bernard  Todd  and 
Elizabeth  Pollard,  daughter  of  William  Pollard,  who  was  for 
many  years  clerk  of  Hanover  Court.  His  father,  moving  to  the 
County  of  Charlotte  after  the  birth  of  his  son  William,  repre- 
sented that  county  for  a  series  of  years  in  the  Virginia  Legislature. 
Here,  also,  he  labored  some  thirty-five  or  forty  years  as  a  Baptist 
minister. 

"At  the  age  of  about  sixteen  years,  William  was  placed  in  the 
clerk's  office  of  Hanover  County,  where  he  continued  until  nearly 
of  age ;  he  then  removed  to  King  and  Queen  County  to  assist  his 
uncle,  Mr.  R.  Pollard,  clerk  of  that  county.  He  was  himself 


WILLIAM   TODD.  171 

soon  after  appointed  clerk  of  the  District  Court.  During  the 
time  of  his  residence  at  King  and  Queen  Court-house,  he  made  a 
profession  of  religion,  was  baptized  by  Elder  R.  B.  Semple,  in  the 
year  1800,  and  joined  Bruington  Church.  Soon  after,  he  began 
to  preach.  His  first  sermon,  we  learn,  was  delivered  at  Exol, 
King  and  Queen,  from  the  text,  'Fear  not,  little  flock,1  etc.  He 
was  ordained  by  Iverson  Lewis  and  Robert  B.  Semple,  on  the 
15th  of  April,  1804,  and  began  preaching  regularly  at  Lower 
King  and  Queen  and  Pocorone  Churches.  He  subsequently 
assumed  the  pastoral  oversight  of  Lower  King  and  Queen,  Exol, 
and  Mattaponi.  Gradually  he  increased  in  reputation  and  use- 
fulness, and  became  prominent  among  the  actors  in  the  General 
Association,  and  especially  in  the  Dover,  in  which  he  served  many 
years  as  clerk. 

"Brother  Todd  was  four  times  married.  His  first  wife  was 
Mary  Brown,  of  Essex  County,  who  died  in  twelve  months  after 
marriage,  and  left  no  child.  The  second,  Maria  Harwood,  to 
whom  he  was  married  in  1808,  was  the  mother  of  four  children, 
one  son  and  three  daughters.  Of  the  daughters,  only  one  lived 
to  the  age  of  maturity;  which  one  subsequently  married  Mr. 
A.  W.  Robins,  of  Gloucester  County.  The  son,  the  lamented 
Rev.  William  B.  Todd,  lived  to  be  an  honor  to  his  parents  and 
an  ornament  to  the  church  of  Christ.  The  third  wife  was  Miss 
Gvrathmey,  of  King  William  County.  She  dying  in  twelve  or 
fifteen  months,  he  married  Mrs.  Harriet  Hill,  in  1822,  whom  he 
survived  but  a  few  months. 

"  The  death  of  his  only  and  beloved  son,  William,  occurring  in 
September,  1855,  and  then  of  his  companion,  following  in  rapid 
succession,  together  with  other  afflictive  events,  produced  a 
marked  impression  upon  his  physical  system,  previously  enfeebled 
by  age  and  disease.  He  sunk  rapidly  under  these  successive  blows. 
As  his  end  drew  on,  the  prospect  of  heaven  seemed  to  grow  bright. 
Through  the  mists  of  sin  and  guilt  common  to  our  fallen  nature, 
and  through  the  misfortunes  which  beclouded  his  latter  days,  he 
looked  up  to  the  desired  abode.  On  the  29th  of  December,  1855, 
he  passed  peacefully  away,  at  Bellmont,  the  late  residence  of  his 
only  son.  His  body  reposes  under  a  marble  column  at  Shiloh, 
the  family  seat. 


172  MATTHEW   WOOD. 

"  Of  the  elements  of  Brother  Todd's  character,  little  need  be 
said,  as  he  was  well  known  to  so  large  a  portion  of  your  body. 
Father  Todd  was  scrupulously  honest.  No  man  may  charge  him 
with  withholding  what  was  due.  Until  the  infirmities  of  age 
came  on,  he  was  a  man  of  fine  business  capacity,  prompt  and 
punctual  in  all  his  engagements.  As  a  Christian,  though  subject 
(as  who  is  not  ?)  to  infirmities  and  weaknesses,  he  was  rigid  in  his 
adherence  to  principle,  and  faithful  to  what  he  regarded  as  duty. 
If  firmness  sometimes  bore  the  semblance  of,  or  even  degenerated 
into,  obstinacy,  it  was  an  extreme  to  which  many  faithful  men  are 
prone,  and  may  surely  be  pardoned  to  a  conscientious  earnestness. 
He  was  fond  of  religious  conversation,  in  which  a  large  portion 
of  his  declining  life  was  employed. 

"As  a  preacher,  he  was  plain,  sound,  evangelical,  experimental. 
Of  educational  advantages  he  enjoyed  few,  but  this  deficiency  was 
to  a  great  extent  supplied  by  a  diligent  reading  appropriate  to 
the  field  upon  which  he  had  entered,  so  that,  in  after  years,  he 
became  a  sound,  though  always  an  unpretending  theologian. 

"  Many  of  those  who  may  read  this  obituary  have  dwelt  with 
tenderness  and  reverence  upon  his  words,  and  to  not  a  few  his 
pulpit  ministrations  have  been  greatly  blessed.  He  baptized, 
perhaps,  as  many  persons  as  any  minister  of  his  day.  What 
reason  have  these  to  drop  a  tear  of  sympathy  over  their  father  in 
the  gospel!  Straughan  and  Lunsford,  Semple  and  Claybrook, 
Broaddus,  Todd,  and  Montague,  where  are  they?  Alas,  alas! 
who  shall  fill  their  places  ?" 


MATTHEW    WOOD. 

IT  is  regretted  that  so  little  distinct  information  has  been 
secured  respecting  the  life  and  labors  of  this  excellent  man.  He 
was  for  many  years  the  pastor  of  Grafton  Church,  York  County, 
and  also  of  what  was  then  called  Tender  Branch,  but  now  War- 
wick Church.  These  positions  seem  to  have  been  well  filled  by 
him.  He  was  universally  beloved  as  a  conscientious  and  ex- 


JOHN   WRIGHT.  173 

emplary  Christian  minister.  When  he  died,  the  whole  region  of 
country  below  Yorktown  felt  the  dispensation  as  deeply  afflictive, 
and  mourned  their  loss  as  one  not  easily  repaired. 

His  record  is  on  high.  Those  who  have  been  turned  to  right- 
eousness by  his  instrumentality  will  constitute  his  crown  of  rejoic- 
ing forever  and  ever.  Though  his  education  was  limited,  yet  it 
was  found  that  with  his  gifts,  improved  by  reflection  and  reading, 
he  made  his  mark  on  the  generation  with  which  he  was  identified. 
His  native  county,  Warwick,  where  also  he  died,  will  long  feel  his 
blessed  influence. 


JOHN    WRIGHT. 

JOHN  WRIGHT  was  for  many  years  an  efficient  pastor  of  Grafton 
Church.  His  birth  and  the  circumstances  of  his  conversion  are 
not  known.  About  the  beginning  of  the  revolutionary  war  he 
professed  attachment  to  Christ,  and  was  baptized  either  by  Elijah 
Buker  or  Joshua  Morris.  This  was  before  the  origination  of 
Grafton  Church.  He  soon  lifted  up  his  voice,  warning  his  fellow- 
men  to  escape  the  wrath  to  come.  The  Lord  prospered  the  en- 
deavors he  made,  and  sinners  were  converted.  In  17TT  the  church 
was  constituted,  and  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate. 

A  career  of  usefulness  was  now  open  before  him,  which  was 
prosecuted  with  untiring  energy  to  the  end  of  life.  He  was  poor, 
being  compelled  to  labor  constantly  with  his  own  hands  to  sustain 
his  family ;  he  traveled  not  extensively,  but  his  own  field  he  culti- 
vated well.  Mr.  Semple  says  of  him,  that  "  he  was  a  blessed  man 
of  God.  He  was  faithful  to  occupy  his  talents.  Xo  man  could 
find  him  out  of  his  place.  He  lived  and  died  a  pious  Christian, 
and  a  faithful  as  well  as  useful  minister  of  Christ." 

This  is  good  testimony,  and  from  the  highest  source.  It  was  a 
well-merited  commendation.  In  how  many  instances  is  it  found 
that  splendid  talents  and  accumulated  stores  of  learning  are 
suffered  to  waste  themselves  by  unfaithfulness,  or  by  the  indul- 
gence of  a  worldly  spirit !  Happy  is  he,  who,  though  less  gifted, 
is  found  in  the  diligent  use  of  his  talents  to  the  end. 

15* 


174  THOMAS   CURTIS. 

1 

Mr.  Wright  seems  to  have  been  remarkably  energetic  as  a  dis- 
ciplinarian. To  quote  Semple  again:  "His  vineyard  was  well 
kept.  His  duty  was  his  delight.  In  discipline  he  was  tender, 
yet  vigilant  and  impartial.  Once  when  much  disorder  had 
crept  into  the  arm  of  the  church  near  Hampton,  through  the 
misconduct  of  Chisrnan,  the  old  man  went  down  and  began  to 
winnow  with  so  heavy  a  hand,  that  some  persons  observed  he 
would  leave  but  few  of  the  Doctor's  disciples.  Yes,  said  a  gentle- 
man who  knew  him,  he  would  turn  out  the  last  man  to-morrow, 
before  he  would  countenance  disorder." 

Mr.  Wright  died  somewhere  about  the  year  1195.  He  left 
behind  him  a  holy  savor  which  was  not  soon  lost ;  which,  even 
now,  it  is  hoped,  to  some  extent  remains. 


THOMAS    CURTIS. 

THOMAS  CURTIS  was  the  youngest  child  of  Edmund  Curtis,  and 
Ann  Drewry  his  wife,  and  was  born  July  25th,  1TT4,  in  that  part 
of  York  County,  Virginia,  called  Fishneck.  In  early  life  he  was 
apprenticed  to  learn  the  carpenter's  trade,  and  continued  in  the 
City  of  Norfolk,  in  that  business,  until  the  year  1801.  During 
this  period  his  general  character  was  good,  excepting  the  practice 
of  profanity,  in  which  he  would  sometimes  indulge.  He  did  not 
suffer  himself  to  ridicule  or  oppose  religion,  though  without  any 
personal  acquaintance  with  its  power. 

In  1801,  or  about  that  time,  he  purchased  a  farm  in  Warwick 
County  and  there  removed,  locating  himself  for  life.  A  remark- 
able revival  of  religion  was  enjoyed  in  that  region  under  the 
ministry  of  Elder  Gayle  and  Matthew  Wood,  when  more  than 
three  hundred  were  baptized.  During  this  season,  Elder  Curtis 
was  brought  under  a  religious  influence,  and,  professing  religion, 
was  baptized  by  one  of  the  above-named  ministers,  in  company 
with  nearly  seventy  others,  on  the  14th  of  January,  1805.  He 
now  became  a  changed  man.  His  whole  heart  was  interested  in 
the  service  of  Christ.  Whatever  influence  he  had,  now  appeared  on 


THOMAS   CURTIS.  175 

the  Lord's  side.  It  was  soon  apparent  to  his  brethren  that  he 
possessed  qualifications  for  the  deaconry ;  and  this  office  was  con- 
ferred upon  him  by  Warwick  Church,  of  which  he  was  a  member. 
This  position  he  retained  until  called  to  the  ministerial  work. 

When  he  first  began  to  exercise  his  gift  in  addressing  his  fellow- 
men  is  not  distinctly  known,  but,  on  the  16th  of  August,  1835,  he 
was  ordained  to  the  ministry  and  entered  upon  the  pastorate  of 
Warwick  Church.  Here  he  was  eminently  useful.  Amid  all  the 
distracting  influences  of  Campbellism,  by  which  the  mother 
church  at  Grafton  was  nearly  torn  to  pieces,  he  remained  firm, 
resisting  these  influences,  and  preserving  the  body  with  which  he 
was  identified  in  its  purity  and  efficiency.  Besides  his  labors  in 
connection  with  the  Warwick  Church,  he  established  a  branch  at 
Mulberry  Meeting-house,  and  here  preached  twice  every  month. 

Having  entered  the  ministry  late  in  life,  he  seemed  intent  on 
the  best  improvement  of  his  time  and  talents.  Although  he 
found  it  needful  to  give  attention  to  the  support  of  a  large  family, 
yet  he  was  constantly  engaged  in  preaching  the  gospel  from  place 
to  place. 

Naturally  he  possessed  a  vigorous  mind.  His  early  educational 
advantages  were  slender,  but  he  availed  himself  of  the  opportuni- 
ties enjoyed  to  improve  his  stock  of  knowledge.  He  indicated  a 
very  sound,  discriminating  judgment ;  as  an  evidence  of  this,  he 
was  elevated  to  the  magistracy,  and  for  many  years  actually  and 
faithfully  filled  this  position.  He  also  represented  his  county  in 
the  Legislature  from  1821  to  1827,  excepting  one  year.  As  a 
business  man  he  was  reliable,  both  by  the  information  he  had 
acquired  and  the  integrity  of  his  character. 

His  death  occurred  on  the  29th  of  October,  1840,  being  sixty- 
six  years  of  age.  This  event  was  deplored  not  only  by  his  family, 
but  by  a  large  number  of  those  who  had  shared  in  his  ministra- 
tions. His  gentle  disposition  had  endeared  him  to  the  people  of 
his  county,  and,  in  his  separation  from  them,  he  was  missed  as 
one  whom  they  had  tenderly  regarded. 


176  ROBERT   MURRELL. 


ROBERT    MTJRRELL. 

THE  writer  will  not  easily  forget  a  visit  to  the  humble  home  of 
this  devoted  minister  of  Jesus  Christ  shortly  after  his  departure 
for  the  rest  of  heaven.  A  sacredness  seemed  to  belong  to  the 
spot  where  the  good  man  had  often  approached  the  mercy-seat 
and  held  communion  with  his  God.  The  accompanying  reference 
is  taken  from  the  Minutes  of  the  Portsmouth  Association : — 

"  This  faithful  servant  of  God  was  the  son  of  George  Murrell, 
and  Mary  his  wife,  of  Northampton  County,  North  Carolina.  He 
was  born  the  17th  of  April,  1755.  His  parents  were  both  Free- 
will Baptists,  and  he  professed  to  be  the  happy  subject  of  Divine 
grace  at  about  twenty  years  of  age,  and  began  to  preach  the  same 
or  the  next  year.  He  was  soon  called  on  to  defend  his  country 
against  the  ravages  of  the  invading  foe,  (this  being  the  time  of 
the  Revolution,)  in  which  service  he  continued  six  months  in  the 
Southern  army ;  and  while  in  camp,  he  was  not  neglectful  of  his 
duty  to  God,  but  there  exercised  his  gifts  as  a  preacher,  and  was 
sometimes  called  on  by  the  colonel  to  pray  in  his  tent.  Under- 
standing that  there  was  to  be  a  Baptist  meeting  about  six  miles 
from  camp  one  Sunday,  he  obtained  leave  and  attended  it. 
The  congregation  met,  but  their  expected  minister  did  not  appear. 
They  soon  discovered  the  stranger  from  the  camp  to  be  a  preacher, 
and  after  some  time  he  was  prevailed  on  by  the  brethren  to  preach  : 
he  did  preach,  and  'the  Lord  was  with  him.' 

"From  that  time  until  the  army  moved  from  its  station,  the 
brethren,  from  this  distance  of  six  miles,  sent  him  nourishment 
every  morning.  At  length  the  affair  of  Savannah  River  came  on. 
The  enemy  prevailed,  and  orders  were  given  for  'every  man  to 
shift  for  himself.1  He  had  been  shielded  from  harm  amid  the 
thunder  of  war  and  the  clang  of  arms.  But  here  his  life  was 
again  jeopardized :  in  attempting  to  escape,  he  lost  his  Bible  and 
hymn-book,  his  hat,  shoes,  and  coat,  with  the  enemy  in  close  pur- 
suit and  a  river  before  him,  which  he  knew  of  no  means  of  passing, 
(for  he  could  not  swim,)  and  thus  he  was  in  great  strait ;  but  He 
who  said,  '  When  thou  passest  through  the  waters  I  will  be  with 


ROBERT   MURRELL.  177 

tliee;  and  through  the  rivers,  they  shall  not  overflow  thee? 
was  present,  literally  to  fulfill  his  promise,  for,  as  he  approached 
the  river,  he  providentially  overtook  a  friend  who  was  an  excellent 
swimmer.  This  friend  would  swim,  reach  out  his  hand  and  pull 
him  forward,  and  in  this  way  saved  his  life. 

"  Having  faithfully  served  his  tour,  he  came  home  lame  from 
the  fatigues  of  camp  duty,  and  remained  a  long  time  very  sick. 
He  consequently  lost  his  crop,  which,  with  his  continued  minis- 
terial services,  so  embarrassed  his  pecuniary  and  other  temporal 
concerns,  that  he  never  recovered  them  during  his  life.  This 
caused  him  much  distress  of  soul,  and  was  supposed,  in  part,  to 
bring  down  his  gray  hairs  with  sorrow  to  the  grave.  He,  how- 
ever, continued  to  preach,  and  on  the  27th  of  November,  1788, 
he  was,  by  Elder  Lemuel  Burkit  and  John  McGlamare,  ordained 
and  set  apart  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  (of  the  regular  Baptist 
order,)  and,  on  the  same  day,  he  was  chosen  pastor  of  the  church 
at  Meherrin,  (then  called  Sturgeon's,)  in  Southampton  County, 
Virginia.  Into  this  neighborhood  he  removed  with  his  family, 
and  continued  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  pastoral  duties 
during  his  life.  He  had  also,  for  several  years,  attended  statedly 
at  Smith's  Church,  Northampton,  North  Carolina,  and  at  two 
other  places  where  there  were  branches  of  Meherrin  and  other 
churches;  and,  there  being  no  Baptist  minister  for  a  considerable 
distance,  he  had  much  labor  and  traveling  in  preaching  funeral 
sermons  and  solemnizing  matrimony.  To  all  these  duties  he  was 
indefatigably  attentive.  His  labors  were  owned  and  blessed  of 
God,  and  through  his  instrumentality  much  people  were  added  to 
the  Lord.  He  was  uniformly  chosen  to  represent  his  church  in 
the  Portsmouth  Association,  of  which  she  was  a  member,  and  in 
this  body  he  for  several  years  acted  as  Moderator,  and  would 
frequently  receive  appointments  as  messenger  to  two,  and  some- 
times three  sister  Associations,  all  of  which  he  would  fulfill  with 
a  degree  of  faithfulness  and  zeal  which  is  but  too  seldom  wit- 
nessed. 

"It  is  believed  that  from  the  commencement  to  the  close  of  his 
ministerial  life,  few,  very  few,  would  bear  a  comparison  with  him 
in  devotedness  to  the  cause  of  God  and  the  churches,  in  zeal,  in 
fatigues,  in  self-denial,  and  in  the  diligent  discharge  of  all  those 

VOL.  n. — M 


178  ROBERT   MURRELL. 

Christian  duties  that  are  enjoined  by  the  gospel  which  he  de- 
lighted to  preach.  As  a  man  he  was  modest  almost  to  a  fault, 
but  open  and  sincere.  As  a  preacher  he  was  not  above  medioc- 
rity, but  was  clear  and  orthodox;  and,  in  discussing  the  sublime 
doctrines  of  grace,  he  would  sometimes  rise  superior  to  all  re- 
straint, and  burst  forth  in  such  eloquent  displays  of  the  Divine 
mercy  and  goodness  in  the  redemption  of  man,  as  would  astonish 
and  captivate  the  listening  crowd. 

"He  was  married  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  to  Ann  Soury, 
daughter  of  Henry  Soury  of  Northampton,  by  whom  he  had 
seven  children,  only  three  of  whom  survive  him — two  sons,  Robert 
and  Burket,  and  one  daughter,  Ann.  They  all  married,  and  are 
members  of  the  Baptist  church.  He  and  his  wife  lived  together 
in  harmony  and  love  for  the  space  of  fifty  years ;  but  he  left  her, 
worn  down  with  the  weight  of  seventy-six  years,  to  bear  accu- 
mulated sorrow  and  distress ;  in  the  midst  of  which  she  waited 
with  earnest  solicitude  for  her  change  to  come.  He  was  taken 
with  an  ague  while  he  was  preaching  at  a  considerable  distance 
from  home,  which  he  reached  with  difficulty,  and  lived  in  much 
pain  of  body  for  two  weeks,  when,  on  February  2Cth,  1826,  he, 
without  a  struggle,  yielded  up  his  life  to  God  who  gave  it,  aged 
seventy-one  years." 

This  sketch  will  be  closed  by  inserting  the  following  extract 
of  a  letter,  lately  received  by  the  writer  from  a  worthy  minister 
of  the  gospel — a  former  acquaintance  of  the  deceased.  In  rela- 
tion to  Elder  Murrell,  the  author  of  the  letter  says  :  "  I  desire  no 
greater  honor  than  to  walk  in  the  footsteps  of  that  venerable  man 
of  God.  He  kept  himself  unspotted  from  the  vices  of  the  world. 
In  his  deportment  he  exemplified  the  superior  excellence  and 
glory  of  the  religion  he  professed.  In  good  old  age,  like  a  shock 
of  corn  fully  ripe,  after  having  served  his  generation  by  the  will 
of  God,  he  fell  asleep  and  was  gathered  into  the  garner  of  the 
Lord  'Many  men  of  brilliant  talents  shine  only  to  confound 
and  to  mislead ;  but  in  the  light  of  his  life  we  see  the  path  to 
the  skies.'  His  labors,  little  noticed  on  earth,  have  been  recorded 
in  heaven,  where  he  rests  from  his  labors." 

His  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Nathaniel  Chambles, 


JOHN   N.  JOHNSTON.  179 

on  the  fourth  Lord's  day  in  March,  1826,  from  the  following 

text : — 

"He  was  a  good  man,  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

"Let  me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  my  last  end  be 

like  his." 


JOHN    NASH    JOHNSTON. 

JOHN  N.  JOHNSTON  was  extensively  known  in  the  valley  of 
Virginia  as  one  of  our  most  worthy  and  gifted  brethren  in  the 
ministry,  and  we  are  happy  to  avail  ourselves  of  the  following 
truthful  record  of  his  life  and  labors,  prepared  by  a  surviving 
relative.  It  serves  to  exalt  the  power  of  that  gospel  which  our 
brother  so  much  delighted  to  proclaim  to  his  fellow-men. 

"The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Prince  Edward  County, 
Virginia,  on  the  15th  of  December,  1799,  and  was  a  descendant 
of  a  long  line  of  distinguished  ancestors.  Losing  his  father  at 
the  tender  age  of  ten  years,  he  was  deprived  of  that  paternal  care 
and  oversight  which  are  so  necessary  to  youth,  and  which  no  one 
but  a  father  can  bestow.  Hence  he  labored  under  many  disadvan- 
tages in  his  early  training  and  education,  especially  in  the  latter, 
which  would  have  been  far  otherwise  had  his  father  been  spared 
to  direct  them. 

"Possessing  ample  means,  and  residing  in  the  vicinity  of  a 
literary  institution  of  high  grade — Hampden  Sydney  College — it 
was  the  intention  of  the  father  of  Elder  Johnston  to  bestow  on 
his  sons,  of  whom  there  were  three,  a  liberal  education.  Called 
away  by  death,  however,  before  they  had  attained  a  sufficient  age 
to  enter  upon  the  studies  of  a  collegiate  course,  his  intentions 
were  not  carried  into  effect.  Elder  Johnston,  nevertheless,  was 
sent  to  what  was  considered,  at  that  day,  a  school  of  high  grade, 
and  there  received  a  good  English  and  mathematical  education. 
Blessed  with  a  strong  and  vigorous  mind,  he  excelled,  eminently, 
in  all  the  studies  in  which  he  engaged  while  at  school,  and,  having 
completed  his  course,  was  sent  by  his  guardian,  at  the  age  of 
fifteen  years,  to  live  in  a  commission  house  in  the  City  of  Rich- 


180  JOHN  N.  JOHNSTON. 

mond,  in  which  situation  he  continued  during  the  remainder  of 
his  minority. 

"Exposed  to  the  temptations  incident  to  youth — especially 
those  to  which  the  youths  of  cities  and  towns  are  exposed — and 
having  no  one  to  watch  over  and  counsel  him,  Elder  Johnston, 
while  in  Richmond,  unfortunately  contracted  habits  of  intempe- 
rance, which  destroyed,  in  a  great  measure,  the  usefulness  of  his 
early  manhood,  and  well-nigh  caused  his  utter  ruin.  Ardent  and 
energetic  by  nature,  whatever  he  undertook  was  entered  upon  and 
pursued  with  all  the  powers  of  his  mind;  and  hence,  notwith- 
standing the  advice  and  entreaties  of  his  relatives  and  friends,  he 
persevered  in  the  ruinous  course  of  life  upon  which  he  had  entered, 
until,  having  made  himself  a  bankrupt  in  fortune,  he  was  obliged 
to  leave  Richmond  and  go  to  the  country  in  search  of  employ- 
ment by  which  to  earn  a  living.  Under  these  circumstances,  he 
went  to  Botetourt  County,  where  his  mother  and  his  other  rela- 
tives lived,  and,  failing  to  procure  other  employment,  engaged  in 
teaching  a  country  school. 

"Although  fully  aware  of  the  fatal  effects  of  his  past  course  of 
life,  he  continued,  even  after  engaging  in  the  responsible  dutfes 
of  a  teacher,  to  indulge,  at  intervals,  in  his  old  habits  of  intempe- 
rance ;  and  so  great  was  his  infatuation,  that  even  his  nearest 
relatives  abandoned  him  to  what  seemed  to  be  his  inevitable  fate, 
and  all  who  knew  him  gave  him  up  as  a  ruined  and  lost  man. 

"But  things  were  not  always  to  remain  thus  with  him.  That 
God  who  can  calm  the  raging  of  the  angry  sea,  and  say  to  the 
stormy  winds,  'Peace,  be  still,'  and  they  obey  him,  had  purposes 
of  mercy  in  store  for  him ;  and  ere  it  was  known  to  any  one  that 
he  had  entertained  a  serious  thought  on  the  subject  of  religion — 
much  less,  that  he  had  been  convinced  and  convicted  of  sin — he 
went  forward  at  a  protracted  meeting  held  by  Elder  William 
Harris,  at  Glade  Creek  Church,  to  be  prayed  for,  and,  before  the 
preacher  had  concluded  his  petitions  to  the  throne  of  grace,  was 
enabled  to  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory,  through 
the  knowledge  of  the  forgiveness  of  his  sins,  by  the  exercise  of  a 
true  and  living  faith  in  the  atoning  merits  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  thus  affording  an  illustrious  example  of  the  power  of  God's 
grace  when  rightly  received  into  the  heart. 


JOHN   N.  JOHNSTON.  181 

"The  day  subsequent  to  his  conversion  he  was  received,  upon 
a  profession  of  his  faith,  into  the  fellowship  of  the  Glade  Creek 
Church,  and  baptized  by  Elder  William  Harris,  under  whose 
preaching  he  had  been  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it 
is  in  Christ  Jesus.  When  his  profession  of  religion  was  made 
known  to  the  neighborhood  in  which  he  lived,  it  created  surprise 
and  astonishment  in  all  who  knew  him,  and  it  was  confidently 
predicted  by  many  that  his  conversion  would  prove  illusory,  and 
that  he  would  soon  return  to  his  former  course  of  life.  But  they 
were  mistaken.  They  did  not  know  the  man.  Those,  however, 
who  knew  the  promptitude,  decision,  and  firmness  with  which  he 
acted  in  everything  he  undertook,  and  withal,  his  character  for 
integrity  and  probity — which  he  had  never  lost  sight  of  nor  com- 
promited,  even  when  indulging  most  in  intemperance — felt  no 
doubt  as  to  the  reality  of  his  conversion,  nor  fears  that  he  would 
ever  again  indulge  in  his  former  habits.  And  his  after-life  fully 
justified  the  high  estimate  they  had  placed  upon  his  character  in 
these  respects ;  for  rarely,  if  ever,  has  there  lived  a  more  consistent 
and  exemplary  Christian,  or  a  more  decided,  zealous,  and  devoted 
servant  in  the  cause  of  his  Lord  and  Master  than  Elder  Johnston. 

"In  a  very  short  time — a  month  at  farthest — after  his  connec- 
tion with  the  church,  (which  was  in  the  summer  of  1833,)  he  was 
licensed  to  preach  as  a  licentiate,  and  on  the  eighteenth  of  No- 
vember of  the  same  year,  was,  by  request  of  the  Glade  Creek 
Church,  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  by  Elders  James 
Leftwich,  William  Harris,  and  Absalom  C.  Dempsey.  The  spring 
following  his  ordination  he  was  married,  (4th  April,  1833,)  to 
Miss  Eliza  Ogilvie  Bell,  daughter  of  Elder  William  Bell,  of  Pat- 
tonsburg,  a  lady  eminently  qualified  to  assist  him  in  the  toils  of 
the  Christian  ministry. 

"After  his  marriage  he  preached  as  a  missionary  of  the  General 
Association  of  Virginia,  during  the  years  1833-34,  and  part  of 
1835.  Having  removed  in  the  course  of  the  year  last  named  to 
Buchanan,  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Buchanan  and 
Xatural  Bridge  Churches ;  and  continued  to  serve  them  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  on  the  23d  of  July,  1850.  He  was,  like- 
wise, pastor  of  the  Green  Ridge  and  Catawba  Churches  at  the 
time  of  his  decease.  He  did  not,  however,  confine  his  labors  ex- 

VOL.  u.  16 


182  JOHN  N.  JOHNSTON. 

clusively  to  these  churches,  but  preached  frequently  to  others  in 
the  surrounding  country,  thus  widening  his  influence  and  useful- 
ness in  the  service  of  his  Divine  Master. 

"In  the  death  of  Elder  Johnston  the  Baptist  church  lost  one 
among  its  most  wise,  efficient,  and  popular  ministers ;  and  the 
writer  of  this  can  truly  say  that  he  has  never  known  any  one  who 
was  his  superior  in  piety  and  as  an  evangelical  preacher  of  the 
gospel.  Although  he  did  not  (as  we  have  before  said)  enjoy  the 
advantages  of  a  classical  education,  yet  his  mind  was  naturally 
strong,  clear,  and  vigorous.  Indeed,  his  intellectual  greatness 
was  acknowledged  by  all  who  knew  him.  As  a  speaker  his  style 
was  generally  elegant,  and  always  nervous  and  forcible.  His  ser- 
mons were  more  remarkable  for  argument,  and  illustrations  drawn 
from  the  Scriptures,  than  for  oratory  or  eloquence,  although  he 
at  times  exhibited  flights  of  oratory  that  would  have  compared 
favorably  with  those  of  the  most  gifted  orator  in  the  land.  And 
what  gave  greater  effect  to  these  flights  was,  that  it  was  manifest 
to  all  that  he  did  not  wish  to  seem  to  be  eloquent,  but  that  what  he 
said  was  the  spontaneous  effusion  of  his  heart.  Carried  away  at 
such  times  by  his  feelings  and  the  greatness  of  his  subject,  he 
seemed  to  be  unconscious  that  he  was  making  more  than  an  ordi- 
nary effort ;  and,  rising  higher  and  higher,  as  he  warmed  with  his 
subject,  he  seldom  failed  to  overcome  and  carry  his  audience  along 
with  him.  His  favorite  themes  were  the  glories  of  the  cross,  the 
riches  of  Divine  grace,  and  salvation  through  faith,  in  the  im- 
puted righteousness  of  Christ ;  and,  when  dwelling  on  these,  the 
most  confirmed  and  hardened  sinner  was  often  convinced  and 
softened  to  tears.  He  was  strongly  Calvinistic  in  his  views,  be- 
lieving firmly  the  doctrine  of  predestination  and  decline,  as  taught 
in  the  Word  of  God.  It  was  his  chief  delight  to  talk  and  preach 
of  salvation  through  faith  alone  in  the  atoning  sacrifice  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  dwell  upon  the  certainty  of  salvation 
to  all  who  put  their  trust  in  Him.  As  to  the  ordinances  of  baptism 
and  the  Lord's  Supper,  his  opinions  were  those  held  by  the  church 
to  which  he  belonged. 

"Elder  Johnston  needs  no  eulogy  at  the  hands  of  those  who 
admired  and  loved  him.  His  praise  is  in  all  the  churches,  and 
his  record  is  on  high.  His  life  beautifully  exemplified  the  religion 


JOHN   N.  JOHNSTON.  183 

he  professed  and  preached  to  others.  That  he  was  greatly  be- 
loved by  those  to  whom  be  ministered,  is  established  by  the  great 
length  of  time  the  Buchanan  and  Natural  Bridge  Churches  re- 
tained him  as  their  pastor.  In  his  private  relations,  he  was  a 
kind  and  devoted  husband,  an  affectionate  father,  and  an  indulgent 
and  humane  master.  In  short,  he  lived  the  life  and  died  the 
death  of  the  sincere  Christian.  When  told  by  a  friend,  the  day 
preceding  his  death,  that  he  could  not  recover,  he  manifested  no 
alarm  or  uneasiness,  but  spoke  of  his  departure  with  entire  com- 
posure and  resignation ;  conversed  freely  and  affectionately  with 
his  wife,  relatives,  and  friends,  and  yielded  up  his  departing  spirit 
to  the  God  who  gave  it,  with  the  blessed  assurance  of  a  resurrec- 
tion unto  eternal  life." 

The  testimony  given  in  the  above  written  memorial  is  not  exag- 
gerated, but  is  a  truthful  exhibition  of  a  lovely  spirit,  and  a  devoted, 
energetic  proclaimer  of  the  gospel.  It  was  our  privilege  to  be 
personally  acquainted  with  him.  During  our  pastorate  in  Rich- 
mond, he  made  us  several  visits,  and  preached  for  our  congrega- 
tion with  much  acceptance.  During  these  visits,  he  was  heard 
with  special  interest  by  a  few  of  our  most  respectable  merchants, 
who  had  known  him  when  yielding  to  habits  of  inebriation  in  his 
youthful  days.  They  had  always  recognized  him  as  an  honorable 
man,  and  now,  in  beholding  him  as  a  reclaimed  man  and  an 
earnest  preacher,  the  sincerest  pleasure  was  evinced.  On  those 
occasions,  he  always  seemed  to  speak  as  one  who  had  known  by 
blessed  experience  the  power  of  renovating  grace.  As  a  brand 
taken  out  of  the  fire,  he  warned  and  exhorted,  and  entreated  his 
fellow-men  to  flee  the  wrath  to  come. 

A  friend,  who  was  intimate  with  him,  remarked:  "I  will  ever 
remember  the  deep  interest  and  solemnity  manifested  by  a  large 
congregation  in  hearing  him  on  a  certain  occasion."  Another 
remarked :  "He  was  one  of  the  best  preachers  I  have  ever  heard." 
He  was,  indeed,  an  excellent  preacher.  Christ  crucified  was  the 
great  theme  of  his  ministry.  At  one  time  he  was  drawn  into  a 
controversy  on  the  unprofitable  question,  whether  it  is  proper 
for  the  sinner  to  pray.  He  was,  however,  not  a  man  of  strife. 
He  loved  good  men,  while  with  becoming  fidelity  he  exposed 
what  he  deemed  to  be  wrong  in  sentiment  and  practice. 


184  Z    STREET. 

As  stated  above,  his  death  was  peaceful.  A  few  hours  before 
his  death,  he  said :  "  I  have  not  much  strength  to  speak,  but  I  am 
perfectly  composed  in  mind.  I  have  perfect  confidence  in  God 
my  Saviour.  I  am  perfectly  resigned  to  God's  will,  and  I  know 
I  shall  soon  be  with  the  Lord."  Thus  he  passed  away  to  his 
home  in  heaven. 


Z.    STREET. 

THOUGH  the  name  of  our  brother  was  but  little  known,  as  a 
preacher  of  the  gospel,  beyond  his  own  neighborhood,  he  was, 
nevertheless,  useful,  and  enjoyed,  among  those  with  whom  he  was 
associated,  a  high  measure  of  respect  and  regard.  The  suitable 
reference  which  follows  was  prepared  by  E.  T.  Montague : — 

"ELDER  Z.  STREET  was  born  on  the  30th  of  January,  1804,  of 
pious  parents,  by  whom  he  was  trained  up  in  the  love  and  practice 
of  morality  and  virtue  from  infancy.  In  the  spring  of  1824,  he 
embraced  the  religion  of  Christ,  and  connected  himself  with  the 
Glebe  Landing  Church,  then  under  the  pastoral  charge  of  the 
late  Elder  Philip  T.  Montague.  From  the  very  commencement 
of  his  Christian  profession,  Elder  Street  manifested  a  deep  devo- 
tion to  and  an  earnest  zeal  in  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer.  This 
led  him  to  take  an  active  part  in  every  effort  to  promote  the 
interests  of  that  cause.  In  the  prayer-meeting,  the  Sabbath-school, 
and  on  all  other  suitable  occasions,  he  was  ever  found  at  his  post, 
ready,  by  prayer,  exhortation,  and  warning,  to  do  all  in  his  power 
to  win  souls  to  Christ,  and  thus  advance  the  Redeemer's  kingdom 
on  earth.  Not  content  with  his  own  personal  exertions,  he  con- 
tributed freely  of  his  means  to  all  the  benevolent  enterprises  of 
the  day. 

"In  June,  1841,  Elder  Street  was  regularly  ordained  to  the 
work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  from  that  time,  deeply  impressed 
with  the  responsibility  of  his  high  calling,  he  devoted  himself  with 
renewed  zeal  to  the  performance  of  its  arduous  duties,  rendered 
important  assistance  to  his  pastor,  whose  health  was  declining, 
and  at  the  same  time  supplied  some  of  the  neighboring  churches 


Z.  STREET.  185 

with  the  ministration  of  the  word  and  ordinances  of  the  gospel, 
for  want  of  which  they  had  been  suffering. 

"In  August,  1846,  after  the  death  of  his  pastor,  Elder  Street 
was  chosen  assistant  pastor  of  the  church,  with  Elder  Richard  A. 
Christian,  and  afterwards  with  Elder  Philip  Montague,  up  to  the 
time  of  the  death  of  the  latter,  in  March,  1852,  when  Elder  Street 
was  called  by  the  unanimous  voice  of  the  church  to  preside  over 
it,  and  continued  to  hold  that  position  until  death  removed  him 
from  his  field  of  trial  and  labor  to  the  enjoyment  of  his  reward 
on  high,  on  the  1st  of  October,  1855,  in  the  fifty-second  year 
of  his  age,  after  a  painful  and  protracted  illness  of  many  months, 
which  he  bore  with  Christian  meekness  and  resignation. 

"Elder  Street  was  eminently  useful  as  a  minister  of  Christ 
during  his  whole  continuance  in  that  office.  Though  his  talents 
as  a  public  speaker,  owing  to  the  defects  of  early  education,  were 
not  of  that  commanding  order  which  pleases  and  gratifies  the 
public  ear,  yet  he  ever  evinced  an  earnestness  of  zeal  and  an  ardor 
of  devotion  to  the  salvation  of  sinners,  that  more  than  made  up 
for  any  deficiency  either  in  force  of  metaphor  or  beauty  of  rhetoric. 
But  it  was  in  performing  the  private  and  inobtrusive  duties  per- 
taining to  his  ministry,  such  as  visiting  the  sick  in  their  afflic- 
tions, administering  comfort  to  those  who  were  cast  down, 
reproving  the  erring,  and  encouraging  the  weak,  that  his  useful- 
ness was  most  strongly  exemplified,  and  his  loss  most  painfully 
felt  by  his  late  charge. 

"  For  many  months  before  his  death,  Elder  Street  was  confined  to 
his  bed,  and  with  a  full  consciousness  that  recovery  was  hopeless. 
During  the  greater  part  of  that  confinement  his  feelings  were 
tinged  with  gloom;  though  'his  faith  failed  not,'  yet  he  seemed 
only  to  'see  through  a  glass  darkly.'  While  in  this  condition  he 
often  expressed,  in  conversation  with  friends,  his  anxious  desire 
that  the  cloud  might  be  lifted  from  his  mind,  and  that  he  could 
once  more,  before  his  departure,  be  permitted  to  enjoy  a  bright 
and  soul-reviving  manifestation  of  the  Divine  favor.  That  desire 
was  gratified  some  few  weeks  before  his  death,  and  from  that  time 
forth  alt  was  bright  and  joyous  in  the  prospect  before  him. 
'Death  had  lost  his  sting,'  and  'mortality  had  already  become 
swallowed  up  of  life.' 

16* 


186  WILLIAM   B.  TODD. 

"In  all  the  social  and  domestic  relations  of  life,  Elder  Street 
ever  maintained  such  a  course  as  caused  him  to  be  highly  esteemed 
and  respected  while  living  and  deeply  mourned  since  his  death. 

"Such  was  the  life  and  death  of  this  excellent  man  of  God. 
Having  kept  the  faith,  and  finished  his  course,  he  is  now,  doubt- 
less, wearing,  in  a  better  world,  that  crown  of  righteousness  which 
the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  will  give  to  all  who  love  and  serve 
him;  and,  while  we  mourn  his  loss,  let  us  follow  his  example, 
that  when  the  time  of  our  departure  shall  arrive,  we,  too,  like  our 
deceased  brother,  may  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  our 
latter  end  be  like  his." 


WILLIAM    B.  TODD. 

THE  dignified  bearing  and  pleasant  manners  of  Dr.  Todd  will 
long  have  a  place  in  the  memory  of  many  in  his  native  county. 
Especially  were  his  many  excellent  qualities  as  a  Christian  and 
minister  strongly  influential  in  endearing  him  to  the  hearts  of  his 
Christian  brethren  in  different  parts  of  the  State  where  he  became 
personally  known.  We  gladly  give  place  to  the  notice  prepared 
by  his  intimate  friend  and  Christian  brother,  Rev.  Richard  H. 
Bagby,  of  King  and  Queen  County.  This  notice  was  published 
in  the  Minutes  of  the  Rappahannock  Association  for  1857.  It  is 
a  just  tribute  to  his  sterling  worth  : — 

"Dr.  William  B.  Todd  was  the  only  son  of  Elder  William 
Todd  and  his  second  wife,  Maria  P.  Todd,  who  was  a  sister  of 
Colonel  Archibald  Harwood.  He  was  born  at  the  residence  of 
his  father,  near  Mattaponi  Meeting-house,  in  the  County  of  King 
and  Queen,  January  19th,  1809,  and  died  at  his  own  residence, 
near  Stevensville,  on  the  20th  of  September,  1855.  He  received 
his  scholastic  education  chiefly  at  Columbia,  and  William  and 
Mary  Colleges,  and,  graduating  in  medicine  in  Philadelphia,  in 
1830,  soon  after  commenced  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  the 
neighborhood  of  his  birth.  As  a  physician  he  was  eminently 
successful;  but,  in  1838,  finding  his  naturally  weak  constitution 


WILLIAM   B.  TODD.  187 

insufficient  for  the  constantly  increasing  demands  for  his  services, 
he  discontinued  regular  practice. 

"He  was  married  three  times:  in  1832,  to  Miss  Mary  Catha- 
rine Pendleton,  of  King  and  Queen;  in  1835,  to  Miss  Susan 
Cooke,  of  Gloucester;  and  in  1836,  to  Miss  Julia  Robins,  of  the 
same  county. 

"He  was  baptized  and  united  with  Mattaponi  Church  in  the 
year  1838.  From  the  time  of  his  baptism  he  was  exercised  on 
the  subject  of  preaching,  and  often  felt  that  it  was  his  duty  to 
plead  the  cause  of  Christ  and  urge  men  to  repent  publicly ;  but 
his  great  diffidence,  which  was  ever  a  strong  trait  in  his  character, 
overcame  the  promptings  of  his  conscience,  till  God,  by  a  deep 
affliction — the  death  of  an  only  and  dearly  beloved  daughter — so 
aroused  him  to  a  sense  of  his  obligations  to  speak  for  his  Master 
as  to  overcome  his  timidity,  and,  in  November,  1843,  he  preached 
his  first  sermon.  From  this  time,  though  much  interrupted  by 
calls  for  his  services  as  a  physician,  and  though  much  encumbered 
with  the  management  of  a  large  number  of  servants,  for  whose 
welfare  he  ever  exercised  a  solicitude  more  like  a  father  than  a 
master,  he  continued  actively  engaged  in  the  ministry  till  called 
to  his  reward.  He  assisted  his  father  in  the  pastoral  care  of  Mat- 
taponi and  Lower  King  and  Queen  Churches,  and,  in  1847,  took 
charge  of  what  was  then  Lower  College  (now  Collosse)  Church, 
in  the  County  of  King  William.  It  was  in  connection  with  this 
church  that  his  ministry  received  more  specially  the  seal  of  God's 
approbation,  and  where  his  labors  were  eminently  blessed. 

"  When  he  took  the  oversight  of  this  little  flock,  they  had  long 
been  in  a  state  of  weakness  and  depression.  From  that  time  the 
condition  of  the  church  improved.  They  (mainly  through  his 
efforts  and  liberality)  built  a  neat  and  convenient  house  of  wor- 
ship, and  constantly  increased  in  numbers  and  efficiency,  and  in 
favor  and  influence  in  the  community. 

"  On  the  Sabbath  before  his  death,  he  baptized  and  preached 
twice  for  this  church,  returning  home  at  night  much  fatigued.  On 
Monday  he  was  slightly  unwell ;  on  Tuesday  his  disease  manifested 
itself  to  be  erysipelas,  attacking  the  head  and  face,  with  strong 
tendency  to  the  brain,  and,  in  spite  of  all  the  remedies  used,  it 
progressed  rapidly  till  on  Thursday  it  terminated  in  death. 


188  WILLIAM   B.  TODD. 

"Dr.  Todd  was  tall,  slender,  and  of  an  agreeable  and  prepos- 
sessing personal  address.  He  was  fond  of  the  society  of  his 
friends,  and  gifted  in  conversation.  As  a  Christian,  he  was  dis- 
trustful of  himself,  but  having  clear  views  of  the  gospel,  he 
trusted  confidently  in  the  merits  of  the  Saviour,  and  was  ever 
solicitous  for  the  conversion  of  sinners. 

"As  a  minister,  he  was  methodical,  argumentative,  and  impres- 
sive. Though  not  blessed  with  an  attractive  delivery,  yet  the 
neatness  of  his  style  and  solemnity  of  his  manner,  and  the  strik- 
ing thoughts  he  presented,  seldom  failed  to  interest  and  impress 
the  thoughtful  and  intelligent. 

"His  death,  so  sudden  and  unexpected,  was  greatly  lamented 
in  the  neighborhood,  in  which  he  was  highly  esteemed  and  loved. 
The  little  church  which  had  been  so  much  benefited  by  his  labors, 
and  had  learned  to  look  up  to  and  love  him  almost  as  a  father, 
were  overwhelmed  by  the  stroke ;  but,  above  all,  did  his  aged  and 
infirm  parent,  his  widowed,  devoted  wife,  and  his  only  son,  expe- 
rience a  loss  under  which  nothing  but  Divine  grace  could  sustain 
them  and  nothing  but  heaven  repair." 

The  following  touching  reference  to  his  closing  hours,  and  to 
his  character,  is  made  by  the  Mattaponi  Church,  of  which  he  was 
pastor.  It  forms  a  part  of  the  tribute  to  his  memory  recorded 
on  their  church-book : — 

"  The  Sabbath  preceding  his  death,  he  was  apparently  blessed 
with  good  health,  and  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  that  degree  of 
cheerfulness  and  peace  of  mind  which  is  the  constant  reward  of 
good  actions.  On  that  day  he  was  actively,  and,  we  believe,  most 
usefully,  employed  in  his  Master's  service,  preaching  the  gospel 
of  peace  and  good-will  to  a  loving  and  beloved  congregation, 
and  attending  to  other  duties  of  Divine  appointment ;  so  that,  at 
its  close,  he  might  well  have  composed  himself  with  the  reflection 
that  he  had  made  'a  Sabbath  day's  journey  toward  heaven.' 
Alas !  who  would  have  supposed  that  was  his  last  Sabbath  day 
on  earth?  Indeed  are  the  'works  of  a  gracious  and  merciful 
God  inevitable,  and  his  way  past-finding  out.'  Next  morning  he 
arose  with  the  death-spot  upon  his  face,  and,  surveying  it  with 
the  skill  peculiar  to  his  profession,  (in  which  he  had  attained  so 
eminent  a  position,)  with  a  calmness  and  resignation  beautifully 


LEVIN   DIX.  ]89 

illustrating  his  walk,  and  pure  and  virtuous  life,  he  expressed  ap- 
prehensions of  his  danger  to  the  dearest  object  of  his  affections,  the 
companion  of  his  life.  On  Tuesday  it  was  apparent  that  his  prac- 
ticed eye  had  detected  too  certainly  the  dread  character  of  his 
malady.  Prostrating  him  on  Wednesday  and  defying  medical 
skill,  before  ten  o'clock  on  Thursday  evening  it  put  an  end  to 
one  of  the  purest  and  best  of  men.  We  feel  that  as  a  church 
and  as  a  community  we  have  lost  our  brightest  ornament  and 
dearest  friend.  Yet  we  do  not  murmur  at  the  decree  of  our 
Master,  but,  we  trust  with  becoming  humility  and  cheerfulness, 
resign  him  to  the  hands  of  his  Lord,  who,  in  his  wisdom,  has 
seen  fit  to  take  him  to  himself,  to  reap  the  reward  of  his  useful 
labors  on  earth." 


LEYIN    DIX. 

THE  removal  of  this  eminently  devoted  man  created  a  vacancy 
not  easily  filled  in  all  the  Eastern  Shore  of  Yirginia.  Many 
were  the  hearts  that  grew  sad  as  the  tidings  of  his  death  passed 
through  that  region.  But  God  reigns.  He  has  not  left  his 
people  desolate.  One  and  another  has  he  raised  up,  and,  blessed 
be  his  name,  he  will  ever  care  for  his  own  cause,  and  the  proper 
instruments  will  employ,  until  the  whole  earth  shall  be  made  the 
heritage  of  the  Messiah. 

In  presenting  the  memorial  of  Elder  Dix,  the  language  of  his 
son,  Rev.  W.  A.  Dix,  is  mainly  employed. 

We  sometimes  are  called  upon,  by  the  providence  of  our  Master, 
to  record  the  dealings  of  God's  spirit  with  his  people,  and  our 
hearts  are  then  made  to  rejoice.  But  it  now  becomes  us  to  tune 
our  harp  to  a  solemn  lay.  ELDER  LEVIN  Dix  is  gone.  He  died 
of  consumption,  on  the  1st  of  September,  1839. 

But,  perhaps,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  say  something  more  defi- 
nite concerning  the  life  and  character  of  him  who  is  the  subject 
of  this  obituary  notice.  He  was  born  in  the  County  of  Accomack, 
Virginia,  in  the  year  1787,  of  pious  parents,  who  dying  while  he 
was  quite  young,  he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  a  guardian,  who 
sent  him,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  served 


190  LEVIN   DIX. 

an  apprenticeship  to  a  saddler.  His  time  having  expired,  he 
received  testimonials  of  his  character  and  proficiency,  and  removed 
to  Baltimore,  where  he  resided  for  a  short  time,  and  thence  to 
Norfolk,  where  he  successfully  carried  on  the  business  of  his 
vocation.  In  the  year  1808,  he  was  married  to  Mary  C.  Amory, 
in  whom  he  found  an  affectionate  partner  until  his  death.  Soon 
after  this,  (the  precise  time  is  not  known,)  his  mind  became 
impressed  with  a  sense  of  Divine  things,  and  he  was  led  to  re- 
nounce his  sins  and  become  a  friend  of  the  Saviour.  Shortly  after, 
he  was  baptized,  and  joined  the  Baptist  church,  then  under  the 
care  of  Elder  James  Mitchel.  By  that  church  he  was  licensed 
to  preach  the  gospel,  and,  removing  to  Accomack,  his  native 
county,  he  commenced  that  scene  of  labor  which  he  carried  on 
effectually  until  forced  by  affliction  to  quit  the  field.  He  was,  in 
1815,  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and,  unlike 
many  of  the  servants  of  Christ,  he  never  changed  his  field  of 
labor,  (the  Accomack  Baptist  Association.)  He,  with  his  fellow- 
helper  and  yoke-fellow,  Elder  W.  Laws,  withstood  the  fire  of  per- 
secution and  opposition  during  the  Antinomian  war  at  the  time 
the  reformation  in  this  region  took  place.  They  boldly  declared 
the  truth,  and  raised  the  character  of  the  Baptist  cause,  which  was 
then  sunk  to  the  lowest  ebb. 

Elder  Dix,  during  his  ministry,  had  several  extensive  revivals. 
He  was,  for  a  number  of  years,  pastor  of  the  Baptist  churches  in 
the  County  of  Northampton,  nearly  all  the  members  of  which  his 
own  hand  led  to  the  deep  baptismal  wave.  His  preaching  was 
generally  of  a  doctrinal  character.  From  the  doctrines  of  the 
gospel  he  drew  those  arrows  which  he  often  shot  with  such  power 
at  the  sinner's  heart  as  to  cause  him  to  yield  to  Christ  immediately. 
No  man  was  more  popular,  more  loved  and  lamented,  than  Elder 
Dix  in  his  station. 

He  was  the  true  friend  to  an  educated  ministry.  Although, 
when  he  commenced  preaching,  his  stock  of  information  was  small, 
yet  by  hard  application  he  became  self-taught,  to  a  considerable 
extent,  in  the  arts  and  sciences  of  the  day.  He  studied  the  Bible 
much  toward  the  close  of  his  ministry.  His  preaching  was  very 
pointed  and  pungent.  His  pulpit  was  more  frequently  besprinkled 
with  tears,  and  his  efforts  more  generally  effectual.  He  was  the 


LEVIN   DIX.  191 

fireside  companion  in  every  circle;  religion  was  his  theme;  the 
cross  of  Christ  his  song.  Many  have  dated  their  conversion  from 
his  private  instructions  and  admonitions. 

He  was  the  firm  Baptist,  enforcing  strict  obedience  to  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  gospel,  and  urging  those  who  professed  the  religion 
of  Jesus  to  declare  him  before  the  world  by  serving  him  in  spirit 
and  in  truth. 

In  the  spring  of  1838,  Elder  Dix  was  attacked  with  a  slight 
cough  and  debility  of  system,  not  sufficient,  however,  to  cause  him 
to  relinquish  his  field  of  labor.  In  the  month  of  August  of  the 
same  year,  he  attended  the  Baptist  camp-meeting  in  Accomack, 
where  he  preached  with  great  earnestness  and  fervor;  and,  on 
returning  home,  was  so  much  worn  down,  that  he  was  prostrated 
for  several  weeks.  Medical  aid  was  resorted  to,  and  he  was  so 
far  restored  as  to  attend  the  house  of  God.  In  the  spring  of  this 
year,  1839,  he  said  he  wished  to  preach  once  more,  and  accord- 
ingly he  ascended  the  sacred  desk  and  gave  his  last  address  to 
his  people.  Many  will  recollect  the  deep  anxiety  and  feeling 
which  were  produced.  His  lungs  were  so  weak,  that  he  with 
difficulty  finished  his  discourse.  Shortly  after,  he  was  advised  to 
visit  the  springs,  and,  accordingly,  he  left  home  the  first  of  June; 
but  he  found  himself  so  rapidly  declining,  that  he  was  forced  to 
return.  His  disease  now  became  more  alarming,  and  he  gradually 
sunk  under  it  until  he  fell  asleep  in  Jesus.  Throughout  his  sick- 
ness he  could  frequently  tell  those  who  visited  him  that  he  would 
not  give  a  straw  to  live  or  die,  that  he  wished  to  wait  his  Father's 
will.  On  a  certain  occasion  he  was  asked  what  was  the  state  of 
his  mind  in  reference  to  his  condition.  He  replied :  "  Perfectly 
composed ;  if  the  Bible  is  true,  Jesus  lives,  and  because  he  lives, 
I  shall  live  also."  Again,  on  being  pressed  to  take  some  nourish- 
ment, he  said :  "  I  shall  never  eat  again  until  I  eat  and  drink  in 
my  Father's  kingdom."  About  two  weeks  before  his  death,  he 
called  his  wife  and  children  around  him  and  gave  to  them  his 
parting  charge ;  soon  after,  he  became  so  weak  he  could  not  talk ; 
and,  on  the  evening  previous  to  his  death,  on  being  asked  how  it 
was  between  him  and  his  Saviour,  he  raised  his  hands,  clasped 
them  together,  and  said,  in  a  whisper,  "All  is  peace ;  all  is  well." 
It  was  his  frequent  dread,  during  his  sickness,  that  he  should  lose 


192  SAMUEL   TEMPLEMAN. 

his  reason  previous  to  his  death,  and  say  something  that  would 
injure  the  cause  of  God.  His  request  in  this  was  granted.  He 
was  perfectly  in  his  right  mind  the  moment  he  breathed  his  last ; 
and  Avhen  he  died  he  left  a  smile  on  his  brow — an  index  of  that 
joy  into  which  his  happy  spirit  entered.  On  Tuesday,  the  3d  of 
September,  1839,  his  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  W. 
Laws.  The  crowd  was  immense,  notwithstanding  the  inclemency 
of  the  weather,  and  one  burst  of  grief  was  visible  throughout  the 
assembly.  His  body  was  interred  in  a  neat  buryiug-ground,  to 
rest  until  the  morning  of  the  resurrection.  He  was  fifty-one  years 
ten  months  and  twenty-two  days  old. 

May  all  who  read  this  stop  and  consider  their  approaching 
end,  that  they  may  prepare  for  that  coming  event,  and  be  enabled 
to  say,  "I  am  now  ready  to  be  offered;  the  time  of  my  departure 
is  at  hand ;  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  finished  my  course, 
I  have  kept  the  faith ;  henceforth  there  is  laid  up  for  me  a  crown 
of  righteousness,  which  the  Lord,  the  righteous  judge,  will  give 
me  at  that  day ;  and  not  to  me  only,  but  unto  all  them,  also,  that 
love  his  appearing." 


SAMUEL    TEMPLEMAN. 

"  IP  any  man  be  in  Christ  Jesus,  he  is  a  new  creature ;  old 
things  are  passed  away;  behold,  all  things  are  become  new." 
How  truly  is  this  statement  illustrated  in  the  history  of  him, 
notice  of  whom  is  brought  before  the  churches  in  the  following 
sketch !  He  was  not  only  a  pleasure-loving  violator  of  God's  law, 
but  a  hater  of  godliness,  breathing  out  threatenings  and  slaughter 
against  the  disciples  of  Christ.  For  the  substance  of  this  memoir, 
we  are  indebted  to  the  pen  of  our  much-esteemed  brother,  Elder 
L.  Marders,  who  was  personally  familiar  with  many  of  the  facts 
narrated : — 

"ELDER  SAMUEL  TEMPLEMAN  was  born  in  Westmoreland 
County,  Virginia,  near  the  place  where  he  afterwards  resided, 
and  where  he  died.  In  early  life,  he  went  to  North  Carolina  to 


SAMUEL   TEMPLEMAN.  193 

live  with  his  uncle  as  clerk  in  his  store,  where  he  was  engaged  in 
some  of  the  events  of  the  revolutionary  war  as  minute  man.  He 
was  engaged  in  the  skirmishing  near  or  about  the  great  bridge  in 
North  Carolina,  after  which  he  returned  to  his  native  county.  In 
his  early  manhood,  he  was  fond  of  the  pleasures  of  the  world,  and 
engaged  in  all  the  pleasurable  amusements  of  society,  and,  as  he 
said,  was  a  hater  of  vital  godliness.  Christians  he  could  not 
bear,  but  esteemed  them  all  fools  or  madmen.  But  it  pleased 
God  to  call  him  by  his  grace." 

We  here  introduce  the  reference  to  this  great  change  in  his 
own  language,  expressing  strongly  as  it  does  his  sense  of  indebted- 
ness to  the  power  and  mercy  of  a  sovereign  God.  Speaking  of 
a  journey  he  had  taken  to  the  South,  he  says :  "  On  my  return 
from  Carolina,  it  appeared  to  me  that  the  world  was  turned  up- 
side down.  I  found  the  whole  family  alarmed,  and  earnestly  in- 
quiring what  they  should  do  to  be  saved ;  my  wife  and  a  favorite 
servant-man  became  deeply  concerned,  and  I  was  left  alone ;  my 
prejudice  and  enmity  were  raised  to  the  utmost  height.  Though 
I  would  not  go  to  meeting,  I  never  had  opposed  my  wife  and  ser- 
vant. I  began  to  hate  Mr.  Toler  as  the  destroyer  of  my  peace. 
Mr.  Pierce  and  some  of  his  children  professed  to  be  converted, 
and  were  baptized,  and  with  them  my  servant-man.  When  they 
told  me  of  his  conversion,  I  thought  he  was  ruined,  and  would 
have  parted  with  him  for  a  trifle.  Cupid  commenced  exhorting 
his  colored  brethren ;  I  could  hear  him  at  all  hours  of  the  night 
singing,  and  it  tormented  me.  On  a  Sunday  night,  I  heard  a 
loud  talking  in  the  kitchen,  and  went  round  to  the  back  of  the 
house  to  listen,  and,  lo  !  he  was  lamenting  his  poor  master's  situa- 
tion, that  if  he  died  unconverted,  he  would  be  eternally  miserable; 
it  raised  my  anger  to  such  a  pitch,  I  came  to  the  resolution  that 
I  would,  the  next  morning,  chastise  him  for  his  insolence.  Thus, 
I  returned,  and  went  to  bed.  I  have  often  wondered  at  the  good- 
ness and  forbearance  of  God.  In  the  morning,  by  light,  I  took 
my  whip,  and  went  to  the  stable,  determined  to  execute  my 
threat.  The  moment  I  set  my  foot  on  the  sill  of  the  door,  I 
caught  his  eye  fixed  on  me ;  he  was  a  very  humble  man.  Master, 
says  he,  I  hope  you  wont  be  angry ;  I  want  to  talk  with  you.  I 
was  disarmed  in  a  moment,  and  told  him  he  might  say  what  he 

VOL.  II. — N  IT 


194  SAMUEL   TEMPLEMAN. 

pleased ;  I  dropped  my  whip,  and  have  never  seen  it  since.  He 
commenced  with  his  experience,  (the  first  I  had  ever  heard;)  I 
found  something  working  in  my  heart  that  I  had  never  felt  before, 
assenting  to  the  truth  of  what  he  said.  I  was  thoroughly  con- 
vinced that  if  I  died  without  just  such  religion  as  Cupid  had  ex- 
perienced, I  should  be  miserable  forever ;  he  broke  out  in  a  warm 
exhortation,  and  I  was  obliged  to  turn  away,  lest  Cupid  should 
see  my  tears.  I  returned  to  the  house,  and  told  my  wife  that  if 
she  would  get  the  Bible  and  call  the  family  together,  I  would  try 
to  worship  God.  This  was  joyful  news  to  her." 

Thus,  as  he  often  said,  God  determined  to  mortify  the  pride 
of  his  stubborn  heart  by  choosing  the  weakest  instrument  to  ac- 
complish his  own  purpose  of  grace.  He  had  heard  Lunsford  and 
Toler,  in  their  own  lofty  tones,  plead  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  he 
resisted  their  appeals,  and  counted  them  fools  or  mad ;  but  Cupid's 
honest,  touching  appeal,  could  not  be  resisted.  God  was  in  the 
small,  still  voice,  and  he  resisted  not,  till  he  found  peace  and  joy 
in  believing  in  Jesus,  and  soon  after  commenced  the  delightful 
work  of  letting  his  own  experience  of  grace  be  known  to  others 
in  preaching  the  "glorious  gospel  of  the  blessed  God." 

"  He  was  advanced  in  life  when  the  writer  became  acquainted 
with  him,  and  heard  him  tell  some  of  the  events  of  his  early  his- 
tory. This  acquaintance  was  made  during  the  years  1818,  1819, 
and  1820,  when,  after  the  sad  fall  of  Elder  Jesse  Davis,  pastor 
of  the  Hanover  Church,  in  King  George  County,  Elders  Temple- 
man  and  Noah  paid  frequent  visits  to  that  destitute  church,  and 
labored  much  within  her  bounds.  A  gracious  work  of  grace  was 
commenced  and  carried  on  through  their  instrumentality,  and 
many  were  added  to  the  church. 

"Prior  to  this  he  had  held  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Nomini 
Church,  in  Westmoreland  County,  but  how  long  the  writer  does 
not  know.  He  had  also  been  pastor  of  Reid's,  or  what  is  now 
called  Farnham,  in  Richmond  County ;  but,  after  he  resigned  the 
care  of  these  churches,  he  never  stood  in  that  connection  with  any 
others,  but  continued  to  exercise  his  ministerial  gifts  whenever  a 
door  was  opened  to  do  so.  For  one  of  his  age,  he  sometimes 
traveled  to  considerable  distances  to  preach  the  Word  of  Life ; 
one  of  these  journeys  through  King  George,  Stafford,  Prince 


SAMUEL  TEMPLEMAN.  195 

William  and  Fairfax  Counties,  is  well  remembered,  the  writer 
being  his  companion  in  travel,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  care  of 
him  in  his  old  age.  Among  all  the  churches  in  this  route,  he 
preached  with  zeal,  energy,  and  much  acceptance. 

"In  the  early  part  of  his  ministry  he  was  in  easy  worldly  cir- 
cumstances, and  labored  much,  and  did  much  good  in  the  cause 
of  his  Divine  Master,  who  gave  testimony  to  the  word  of  his 
grace,  and  added  many  seals  to  his  ministry.  The  writer  often 
heard  him  say  he  had  been  at  the  hearing,  before  the  church, 
of  more  than  fifteen  hundred  experiences,  many  of  whom  could 
and  did  claim  him  as  their  spirit-father,  and  many  no  doubt 
are  now  his  crown  of  rejoicing  before  the  throne.  His  latter 
years  were  years  of  poverty  and  pecuniary  embarrassment,  more 
from  his  placing  too  much  confidence  in  others  than  from  any 
direct  mismanagement  of  his  own.  He  trusted  in  men,  and  they 
deceived  him.  But  his  trust  in  Christ  never  failed. 

"Affliction  in  his  family  was  also  added  to  his  poverty;  his 
second  beloved  partner  was,  for  many  of  her  last  years,  a  helpless 
invalid,  from  chronic  rheumatism,  and  could  only  move  as  she 
was  moved.  His  poverty,  with  the  necessity  of  providing  for  his 
family  and  attending  his  afflicted  wife,  prevented  some  of  the 
usefulness  which  might  have  closed  the  history  of  his  life.  His 
longing  soul  often  wished  to  be  engaged  for  his  Master  publicly, 
when  he  was  confined  at  home  by  circumstances  which  he  could 
not  control.  He  received,  however,  a  small  pension,  as  a  soldier 
of  the  Revolution,  which  greatly  helped  to  soften,  in  his  last 
days,  the  rough  features  of  poverty  and  age.  How  often  has  he 
said  to  the  writer, '  While  you  are  young,  work  for  Christ ;  you  may 
not  have  a  chance  when  you  get  old  and  confined  as  I  am.  Oh 
that  I  had  labored  more  abundantly  !' 

"  His  general  health  was  good,  rarely  suffering  from  bodily  in- 
disposition, though,  from  a  fall,  he  became  lame  during  a  few  of 
the  latter  years  of  his  life.  He  was  a  man  of  the  most  cheerful 
and  amiable  disposition  the  writer  ever  recollects  having  seen.  It 
was  his  to  look  at  the  bright  side  of  every  subject ;  and  even  the 
side  in  the  shade  seemed  bright  to  him,  as  he  used  to  say,  '  Why 
murmur  and  complain  at  present  afflictions  ?  they  will  not  last 
•long  !  sorrow  endures  but  for  a  night  only.' 


196  SAMUEL   TEMPLEMAN. 

"  He  was  twice  married ;  the  wife  of  his  youth  was  Miss  Sebella 
Pierce,  by  whom  he  had  no  children.  The  writer  never  knew 
her.  But  he  used  to  say  '  she  was  a  good  wife,  and  a  pious  and 
devoted  Christian;  but  not  better  than  his  afflicted  Cattie.'  His 
second  wife  was  Miss  Catharine  McKenney,  whom  the  writer 
knew  in  her  latter  years  to  be  an  amiable,  patient,  and  long- 
suffering  Christian  woman.  By  this  marriage  he  had  five  children 
— four  daughters  and  one  son,  who  all  survived  their  parents. 

"As  a  man,  his  person,  though  not  tall,  was  handsome  and 
commanding.  He  filled  the  office  of  magistrate  for  many  years 
in  his  native  county.  His  education  was  limited  to  the  common 
business  concerns  of  life,  and  was  such  as  his  day  and  age  could 
afford  to  those  in  moderate  circumstances.  As  a  preacher,  he 
was  far  from  being  learned.  His  talents  were  yet  something 
above  mediocrity.  Ready  and  communicative,  he  employed 
his  talents  to  better  advantage  than  many  who  possessed  more. 
They  were  employed  for  usefulness,  and  not  show.  He  never 
preached  without  arranging  and  studying  his  subjects,  though  he 
never  used  notes  in  the  desk.  Though  a  moderate  Calvinist, 
his  preaching  was  seldom  doctrinal.  His  themes  were  generally 
of  the  experimental  and  practical  class,  which  led  him  to  trace 
out  the  Christian  in  all  his  feelings  and  exercises,  and  thus  preach- 
ing from  his  own  heart,  he  seldom  failed  to  find  way  to  the  hearts 
of  others.  Many  a  heart  has  throbbed,  and  many  an  eye  has 
sparkled  tears,  beneath  his  preaching ;  and  many  a  tongue  has 
said,  Surely  I  must  be  a  Christian ;  the  old  man  has  told  me  all 
my  heart :  surely  somebody  has  told  him  all  about  me.  Simple 
and  plain,  a  babe  might  understand  him ;  his  preaching  was  of 
the  drawing  kind,  little  to  do  with  Sinai ;  he  loved  to  linger  in 
the  Garden  and  around  Calvary,  seeking  to  win  sinners  to  Christ, 
and  feed  the  hungry  of  his  flock.  He  was  frequently  very  warm 
and  animated  in  his  discourses,  and  seldom  failed  to  warm  and 
animate  others.  Often  has  the  writer  seen  his  old  face  bedewed 
with  tears,  while  preaching  Christ  to  the  dying. 

"In  calling  up  these  recollections  of  Elder  Templeman,  the 
writer  would  not  be  thought  as  sketching  the  brief  outlines  of  a 
perfect  character.  No ;  our  venerated  brother  had  imperfections. 
He  was  a  sinner,  as  he  often  said,  'a  poor  sinner,'  the  most  un- 


SAMUEL   TEMPLEMAN.  197 

worthy,  full  of  imperfections ;  and  this  made  Christ  so  precious  to 
him ;  he  felt  that  Christ  was  his  Saviour  from  first  to  last,  his  'all 
and  in  all.'  Among  all  his  excellences  and  imperfections  there 
was  one  fault  which  caused  his  friends  much  regret,  and  which  was 
the  cause  of  far  deeper  regret  to  himself,  living  at  a  time  when 
the  almost  universal  custom  was  to  use,  as  a  luxury,  intoxicating 
drinks.  He  was  not  exempt  from  the  arbitrary  law  of  custom, 
and  indulged,  alas !  too  freely ;  the  worst  blot  upon  his  fair  escut- 
cheon. His  friends  and  he  both  mourned  this  weakness.  But 
the  light  of  the  temperance  reformation  rising  on  him,  he  saw 
more  clearly  his  error,  and  abandoned  the  evil,  and  died  as  he  had 
lived,  a  sinner  saved  by  grace,  trusting  alone  in  Christ  for  full  re- 
demption. His  death  took  place  somewhere  about  the  year  1841 
or  1842;  the  last  scenes  of  this  good  man's  life  the  writer  never 
learned,  but  has  no  doubt  that  he  is  with  the  Master  he  so  much 
loved,  and  whom  he  never  failed  to  recommend  to  others.  He 
was  upwards  of  eighty-three  years  old,  and  had  been  in  the  minis- 
try rather  more  than  fifty-five  years." 

The  above,  chiefly  written  by  Elder  Marders,  presents  fairly 
the  character  of  this  veteran  in  the  Master's  service.  Respecting 
the  habit  of  using  the  intoxicating  draught,  Mr.  M.  subsequently 
remarks:  "I  feel  that  we  of  the  present  day  ought  not  to  judge 
and  condemn  our  fathers.  I  have  judged  Father  Templeman  by 
the  light  I  now  have,  and  not  by  that  he  had  in  his  day.  We 
think  it  wrong  to  use  intoxicating  drinks,  as  a  beverage,  at  all. 
But  in  his  day  it  was  thought  inhospitable  not  to  use  them,  and 
to  provide  them  for  their  friends.  Upon  this  subject  there  is  a 
vast  difference  between  our  time  and  theirs,  forty  years  ago." 

What  is  said  above  expresses  the  true  state  of  the  case.  A 
temptation  existed  in  the  days  of  our  fathers  which  we  hardly 
know.  It  is  proper,  therefore,  while  we  condemn  either  occasional 
or  habitual  inebriation  in  those  who  otherwise  were  good  and 
useful,  it  must  be  done  with  all  the  facts  before  us,  that  we  judge 
them  not  too  harshly. 

We  close  this  with  an  extract  from  a  letter  written  by  him  to  the 
author  of  this  work,  in  1836.  He  remarks :  "  I  am  in  my  seventy- 
eighth  year,  with  a  broken  leg  and  the  infirmities  of  age,  and 
about  fifty-one  years  of  that  time  I  have  tried  to  preach.  The 

n* 


198  JAMES   REID. 

first  Christian  experience  I  ever  heard,  God  made  a  blessing  to 
my  soul,  and  the  first  time  I  ever  saw  the  ordinance  administered 
by  immersion,  notwithstanding  my  strong  prejudice  against  it,  I 
'was  thoroughly  convinced  it  was  according  to  the  command 
of  our  dear  Redeemer;  so  you  see  I  am  a  thorough-going  old- 
fashioned  Baptist.  I  have  seen  nothing,  in  all  my  reading  or 
experience,  to  cause  me  to  doubt  my  position.  I  have  often  been 
surprised  there  should  be  one  Bible  Christian  in  all  the  world  who 
did  not  feel  willing  to  submit  to  immersion.  Divine  Providence 
seems  to  be  paving  the  way  to  a  speedy  end  of  this  controversy. 
The  Baptists  have  nothing  to  fear.  With  the  two-edged  sword 
in  their  hand,  let  them  fearlessly  go  on,  and  all  will  be  well. 

"Pray  for  a  poor  cripple,  his  long-afflicted  wife,  and  the  con- 
version of  my  four  daughters  and  son.  If  I  could  see  them 
brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  methinks  I 
could  depart  in  peace.  I  have  a  great  desire  for  the  salvation  of 
sinners,  the  spread  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom,  and  the  glory  of 
God,  as  I  had  fifty  years  ago.  May  the  Lord  prosper  the  benevo- 
lent institutions  of  the  day  to  accomplish  these  glorious  ends." 


JAMES    REID. 

THE  wonderful  influence  of  the  grace  of  God  on  the  human 
heart  is  pleasingly  illustrated  in  the  history  of  every  good  man. 
In  some  instances  these  exhibitions  are  of  the  most  striking  cha- 
racter. Such  will  appear  in  the  following  sketch,  which  has  been 
kindly  furnished  by  Elder  Lovel  Marders.  The  moral  features 
of  a  good  man  and  useful  minister,  thus  faithfully  pictured,  will 
be  recognized  by  those  survivors  who  knew,  and  loved,  and 
honored  him. 

ELDER  JAMES  REID  was  born  in  Fairfax  County,  Virginia. 
His  father,  John  Reid,  was  a  poor  farmer  of  that  county,  a 
curious  as  well  as  a  dissipated  man;  consequently,  both  the 
moral  and  intellectual  culture  of  young  James  was  sadly  neglected. 
But,  as  he  advanced  in  age,  he  felt  this  neglect,  and  thirsted  for 


JAMES   REID.  199 

knowledge,  which  he  saw  no  chance  of  attaining  while  he  remained 
with  his  father.  He  said  that  his  labor  was  all  his  father  cared 
for,  and  that,  remaining  at  home,  his  thirst  for  learning  could  not 
be  satisfied.  He  left,  therefore,  rather  clandestinely,  and  went  np 
into  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  about  Winchester,  and  hired  himself 
to  labor  to  obtain  the  means  of  going  to  school. 

Thus  his  time,  for  several  years,  was  divided  between  labor  and 
study,  till  he  attained  for  himself  a  common  English  education. 
While  thus  engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge,  God  was  pleased 
to  show  him  the  necessity  of  a  higher  knowledge  than  he  had 
been  in  pursuit  of.  He  then,  as  a  poor  sinner,  thirsted  to  know 
Christ  and  him  crucified ;  and,  having  once  tasted  the  precious- 
ness  of  this  knowledge,  his  thirst  increased.  He  longed  to  know 
more,  and  also  to  teach  others  all  he  knew  and  could  learn  of 
Christ. 

He  loved  good  books,  and  always  had  some  with  him,  and 
every  spare  moment  he  spent  in  reading;  and  thus,  gradually 
gathering  books  for  his  own  reading,  he,  at  his  decease,  had  a 
library  appraised  at  three  hundred  dollars. 

Finding  Christ  so  precious  to  him,  he  fully  enlisted  under  his 
banner,  was  baptized,  and  joined  some  church  in  the  Valley,  and 
soon  became  a  licentiate.  He  then  returned  to  his  native  county, 
which  had  been  left  destitute  of  Baptist  preaching  by  the  removal 
of  Elder  Henry  Toler  to  Kentucky.  As  a  licentiate,  he  com- 
menced his  labor  of  love  in  Fairfax,  and,  being  useful,  he  was  soon 
called  to  ordination,  and  took  the  charge  of  Black  Lick  Church. 
This  took  place  about  the  year  1816.  His  labors  were  blessed, 
and  many  were  added,  and  many  were  converted  in  other  sections 
of  the  county,  and  baptized.  About  the  year  1819,  aided  by 
Spencer  H.  Cone  and  John  L.  Dagg,  he  organized  the  Mount 
Pleasant  Church,  which,  through  his  labors,  grew  to  be  a  large 
and  active  body.  About  1825  or  1826,  he  organized  the  Enon 
Church  in  another  section  of  the  county.  Among  these  churches, 
with  the  Occoquan  Church,  in  Prince  William  County,  the  labors 
of  his  ministry  were  chiefly  confined,  occasionally  taking  long 
journeys  to  other  sections  of  the  State,  and  to  visit  Associations. 

It  was  but  a  few  years  before  his  death  that  the  writer  became 
intimately  acquainted  with  him,  and  can  truly  say  he  nerver  knew 


200  JAMES   REID. 

a  more  diligent  and  laborious  minister  than  James  Reid.  He 
never  married,  but  gave  his  whole  life  to  the  cause  he  loved;  nay, 
he  sacrificed  himself  at  the  altar  where  he  worshiped.  His 
preaching  talents  were  small,  but  they  were  well  employed.  He 
had  no  settled  home,  and  rarely  spent  two  nights  together  at  the 
same  house;  like  Paul,  "he  preached  publicly,  and  from  house  to 
house." 

His  pulpit  exercises  were  blessed,  but  his  fireside  talks  seemed 
more  blessed.  He  could  not  enter  a  house  but  he  must  say  some- 
thing for  his  Master ;  and  if  he  chanced  to  enter  one  where  he 
found  his  Master  not  welcome,  then  he  could  not  feel  himself 
welcome,  and  would  quietly  withdraw.  Few  were  the  families,  in 
all  the  region  of  his  labor,  he  did  not  visit  with  a  holy  purpose, 
and,  when  he  stayed  at  night,  the  neighbors  were  frequently 
invited  in,  and  a  night  meeting  held,  and  he  would  preach  to 
them,  ready  to  depart  on  the  morrow. 

Though  Calvinistic  in  his  faith,  his  preaching  was  seldom  doc- 
trinal. Experimental  and  practical  godliness  were  his  themes; 
and  while  preaching,  publicly  or  privately,  his  dark,  earnest  eye 
would  seem  to  look  through  his  hearers,  and  make  them  feel  that 
he  knew  them  well.  No  weather  stopped  him ;  fifty  miles,  through 
the  rain,  to-day,  to  meet  an  appointment  to-morrow,  or  twenty 
miles  on  a  bitter  cold  night  to  marry  a  couple,  or  be  ready  for  his 
appointment  next  day,  was  nothing  to  him.  His  people  loved 
him,  and  often  warned  him  of  the  danger  of  exposure,  such  as  he 
seemed  not  to  care  for.  His  reply  would  be,  "Better  wear  out 
than  rust  out."  Though  he  was  a  man  whose  general  health  was 
good,  and  whose  constitution  seemed  sound,  yet,  habitually,  he 
seemed  to  feel  and  act  as  if  he  was  conscious  that  he  had  a  great 
deal  to  do  and  little  time  to  do  it  in. 

A  skillful  commander,  he  marshaled  the  host  of  Israel  committed 
to  his  charge;  as  a  soldier  of  Christ,  he  volunteered  in  every 
forlorn  hope,  and  led  the  charge ;  as  an  active  and  careful  spy, 
he  was  found  in  the  foemen's  camp,  watching  their  plans  and 
schemes,  the  better  to  guard  against  surprise  or  order  his  own 
attacks.  His  armor  was  never  laid  aside ;  his  sword  never  rusted 
for  want  of  constant  use. 

As  was  to  be  expected,  his  course  was  short,  but  very  useful. 


JAMES    REID.  201 

With  small  talents,  he  did  more  in  a  few  years  than  did  manj 
with  more  talents  accomplish  in  many  years.  He  died  young, 
worn  out  with  toil  and  exposure ;  he  fell  on  the  field  among  his 
people,  where  he  had  so  well  and  nobly  fought  the  battles  of  his 
Lord.  He  sleeps,  as  a  warrior,  alone.  None  others  lie  near. 
Long  before  his  last  sickness,  he  selected  and  pointed  out  the  spot 
in  mother  earth  where  he  would  have  his  dust  deposited,  and 
gave  directions  how  he  would  be  buried.  A  little  more  than  a 
mile  below  Fairfax  Station,  on  the  Orange  and  Alexandria  Rail- 
road, his  resting-place  is  seen.  Arched  over  with  brick,  (now 
falling  to  pieces,)  and  outside  of  the  arch,  at  the  head,  stands  a 
plain  marble  slab,  prepared  by  Elder  A.  B.  Brown,  with  the  fol- 
lowing inscription : — 

"  In  memory  of  Elder  James  Reid, 
a  diligent  and  successful  minister  of  the  gospel, 

of  the  Baptist  denomination. 

He  was  born  on  the  30th  of  April,  1788,  and  finished 
his  earthly  course  the  3d  of  August,  1830, 

aged  forty-two  years  and  four  months. 

His  life  was  devoted  to  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  his 
fellow-men;  and  while  a  numerous  circle  of  Christian  friends 
mourn  his  early  removal,  they  are  consoled  with  the  conviction 
that  their  loss  is  his  eternal  gain.  '  Blessed  are  the  dead  who  die 
in  the  Lord.' 

'  My  flesh  shall  slumber  under  ground, 
Till  the  last  trumpet's  joyful  sound, 
Then  burst  the  chains  with  sweet  surprise, 
And  in  my  Saviour's  image  rise.'  " 

His  last  sickness  was  long  and  painful;  but  he  patiently  en- 
dured, that  he  might  obtain  the  promise.  For  he  looked  for  a 
city  which  hath  foundations  in  the  heavens,  whose  builder  and 
maker  is  God. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  furnished  by  Brother  Marders,  we 
insert  the  following,  as  coming  from  an  intelligent  brother  who 
knew  him  well:  "James  Reid  was  not  one  of  those  who  talk 
much  and  loud  about  devoting  themselves  to  the  Lord,  but  who, 
like  Ananias  and  Sapphira,  keep  back  a  part  of  the  price.  His 


202  JACOB   W.  HERNDON. 

was  a  self-denying  devotion,  and  of  a  truly  liberal  and  well-directed 
character.  He  literally  gave  all  his  goods  to  feed  poor  sinners. 
Matthew  Meade's  Almost  Christian  Discovered,  was  published 
and  circulated  at  his  own  expense.  He  baptized  many,  and 
doubtless  many  more  will  rise  up  in  the  last  day  and  call  him 
blessed." 


JACOB  W.  HERNDON. 

AMONG  the  faithful  heralds  of  salvation  in  Virginia,  during  the 
present  century,  is  found  recorded  the  name  of  JACOB  W.  HERN- 
DON.  To  retrospect  his  history  will  be  pleasant  to  every  true 
Christian,  but  especially  to  those  numerous  friends  who  knew  him 
best.  Filial  love  has  made  up  the  greater  part  of  this  sketch. 
Mrs.  Fife,  his  daughter,  furnishes  a  truthful  exhibition  of  his  cha- 
racter, and  we  prefer  to  allow  most  of  what  she  has  written  to 
appear  without  material  change.  She  doubtless  found  it  a  grate- 
ful task,  to  review  the  life  and  labors  of  one  who  had  been  so  emi- 
nently the  guide  of  her  youth. 

"Elder  Jacob  W.  Herndon  was  born  June  9th,  IT 84.  His 
father,  Mr.  Edward  Herndon,  was  a  native  of  Spottsylvania 
County,  a  man  of  clear,  discriminating  judgment,  and  strict  probity 
and  justice.  During  the  revolutionary  war  he  resided  in  Frede- 
ricksburg,  and  received  the  office  of  commissary  in  the  army,  which 
he  retained  till  the  surrender  of  Yorktown. 

"After  the  war  he  served  on  the  magistrate's  bench  forty  years, 
dispensing  justice  with  an  even  hand,  and  enjoying  in  a  high 
degree  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  community  in  which  he 
lived. 

"Jacob,  his  only  son,  from  his  own  account  of  himself,  was  a 
wild  and  thoughtless  youth ;  but  those  principles  of  honesty  and 
uprightness  which  were  instilled  into  him  by  his  father,  grew  with 
his  growth,  till,  incorporated  in  his  own  character,  they  were 
brought  out  in  the  actions  of  his  life. 

"Elder  Herndon's  parents  belonged  to  the  Established  Church; 


JACOB   W.  HERNDON.  203 

his  stepmother,  a  daughter  of  Parson  Maury,  of  Albemarle,  was  a 
woman  remarkable  for  devotional  piety,  for  purity  of  life,  and  gen- 
tleness of  manners. 

"  On  his  father's  estate  was  one  of  the  old-fashioned  churches 
belonging  to  that  period,  a  few  of  which  are  still  standing,  with 
its  high-backed  pews,  nearly  concealing  the  congregation;  the 
pulpit,  a  six-sided  box,  just  large  enough  for  a  man  to  stand  erect, 
fixed  high  against  the  wall,  painted  blue,  a  wooden  canopy  of  the 
same  color  above  it,  and  a  reading-desk  below. 

"  Here  Jacob  was  taught  to  kneel  and  repeat  the  services  on 
the  Sabbath,  and  at  home  he  was  well  instructed  in  the  Church 
Catechism.  Under  these  circumstances  he,  of  course,  grew  up 
with  all  his  prejudices  in  favor  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  but  with- 
out a  spark  of  true  religion.  To  use  his  own  language,  while  yet 
a  boy  he  was  foremost  in  every  scheme  of  mischief;  after  he 
arrived  at  manhood,  engaging  with  great  zest  in  parties  of  plea- 
sure, being  the  life  of  the  company  wherever  he  went,  the  leader 
of  frolic  and  fun.  Even  in  after  life,  as  in  those  youthful  days, 
none  could  tell  a  joke  better,  or  hear  one  with  a  keener  enjoy- 
ment. 

"After  he  married  and  settled  in  life  his  gay  companions  still 
occupied  a  large  share  of  his  time  and  of  his  affections,  which  were 
warm  and  true.  If  there  was  a  wedding  or  a  party  of  any  sort 
that  promised  pleasure,  he  was  sure  to  be  present.  He  was  never 
dissipated,  though  as  it  was  the  custom  to  use  ardent  spirits  as  a 
beverage,  he  would  take  the  social  glass  and  think  it  no  harm ; 
but  he  was  in  danger,  oh  was  he  not  in  danger  ?  His  feet  were 
indeed  in  slippery  places.  Often  has  he  been  heard  to  speak  of 
this,  and  with  gratitude  adore  the  grace  which  spared  him. 

"But  a  change  was  to  come.  After  the  birth  of  his  first  son, 
his  young  wife,  sitting  at  home,  began  to  think  of  eternal  things. 
Strange  it  seems,  for  she,  too,  was  fond  of  the  giddy  dance,  and 
as  gay  in  every  respect  as  he  was.  In  those  days  revivals  were 
rare.  But  a  feeble  band  of  poor  Baptists  at  Piney  Branch  Church 
had  obtained  leave  of  Mr.  Edward  Herndon,  in  whom  the  right 
to  grant  leave  was  invested,  to  worship  in  the  afore-mentioned 
Episcopal  house  of  worship,  which  they  occupy  to  this  day,  having 
remodeled  the  pulpit  and  pews.  Here  the  young  wife,  contrary 


204  JACOB   W.  IIERNDON. 

to  the  wishes  of  her  husband,  would  go  for  the  instruction  after 
which  her  soul  panted.  Go  she  must,  for  she  felt  that  her  eternal 
all  depended  on  it.  Groping  in  darkness,  and  trodden  down  with 
a  sense  of  sin  and  condemnation,  still  she  persevered,  and  the 
result  proved  another  instance  of  good  growing  out  of  an  humble 
perseverance  in  the  path  of  duty,  though,  by  so  doing,  she  incurred 
her  husband's  serious  displeasure. 

"  One  day,  when  on  a  visit  to  his  father,  as  he  took  his  hat  to 
leave,  his  sister  remarked  to  him, '  Well,  Jacob,  they  tell  me,  Mary 
is  going  to  join  the  Baptists.'  Had  a  pistol-shot  been  fired  in  the 
room,  the  shock  would  not  have  been  greater.  To  have  this  an- 
nouncement made  in  the  presence  of  his  father,  and  to  feel  that 
his  wife  was  about  to  disgrace  the  whole  family,  was  the  saddest 
of  all  events  ;  such  were  his  views  of  the  matter  then.  '  My  son,' 
said  his  father,  'let  every  body  in  this  free  country  worship  God 
according  to  the  dictates  of  his  own  conscience.'  Respect  for  the 
opinion  of  his  parent,  and  his  own  principles  in  favor  of  liberty  of 
conscience  and  religious  toleration,  induced  him  to  yield  a  reluct- 
ant consent.  But  he  did  so  with  every  feeling  of  his  heart  rising 
up  in  hot  rebellion  against  the  step,  against  the  people  who  he 
considered  had  stolen  the  affections  of  his  partner  from  him,  and 
against  God.  He  consented  that  the  baptism  should  take  place, 
but  it  must  be  at  his  house. 

"Accordingly,  the  appointment  was  made,  and  Elder  Chandler 
baptized  his  wife  and  several  other  candidates.  He  has  often 
been  heard  to  speak  of  the  state  of  his  feelings  at  this  juncture. 
He  would  not  listen  to  the  preaching,  or  remain  within  hearing, 
but  took  his  boy  in  his  arms,  and  stood  afar  off  to  witness  the 
scene.  The  conflict  in  his  soul  baffled  description :  at  night  he 
slept  not,  but  tossed  restlessly  upon  his  bed.  The  next  morning, 
while  dressing,  he  remarked,  'Well,  if  I  knew  where  there  was  a 
meeting  to-day,  I  would  ride  twenty  miles  to  it.'  '  Surely,'  thought 
one,  'here  is  a  mighty  change  since  yesterday,  when  you  would  not 
go  a  few  steps  to  be  at  one.'  For  days  he  was  in  a  state  of  the 
deepest  anxiety,  seeing  himself  a  vile  sinner,  wretched,  deserving 
nothing  but  hell.  At  length  he  went  one  day  to  a  place  in  the 
woods  he  had  chosen  for  prayer,  with  the  resolution  not  to  leave 
the  spot  till  his  sins  were  forgiven,  or  he  would  die  there  at  the 


JACOB   W.  HERNDON.  205 

footstool  of  mercy.  And  then  and  there  he  experienced  the  new- 
born hope  of  pardon  through  Christ.  He  saw  how  such  a  sinner 
as  he  could  be  saved.  The  plan  of  salvation  was  opened  to  him 
clearly,  and  he  was  enabled  to  exclaim,  with  Thomas,  'My  Lord 
and  my  God ;'  and  to  experience  with  an  overflowing  soul  the 
sweetness  of  the  Saviour's  word  to  Thomas,  '  Because  thou  hast 
seen  me,  thou  hast  believed.  Blessed  are  they  who  have  not  seen, 
and  yet  have  believed.'  Now  he  was  ready  for  meeting.  He 
heard  of  one  and  went.  Several  persons  present  related  their 
exercises,  and  were  received  for  baptism.  It  occurred  to  him  that 
this  would  be  a  fine  opportunity  to  get  instruction ;  he  would  go 
and  tell  these  people  of  God  how  he  felt,  and  request  them  to  give 
him  some  advice.  With  that  intention  he  went  forward  to  the 
circle  near  the  pulpit.  He  no  sooner  began  than  his  words  came 
like  a  torrent;  all  were  in  an  instant  melted  to  tears.  The 
minister  (Father  Mason,  the  writer  thinks,)  said,  'That  will  do, 
my  son,  that  will  do ;  we  are  satisfied.  I  give  you  my  hand  iu 
token  of  my  fellowship  with  your  Christian  experience.'  The 
members  pressed  forward,  as  they  were  wont  to  do  in  those  good 
old  times,  to  testify  their  fellowship,  and  to  his  surprise  he  found 
himself  received  as  a  candidate  for  baptism,  all  the  time  protest- 
ing he  did  not  intend  to  relate  his  experience  with  any  expecta- 
tion of  being  received  into  the  church.  He  did  not  feel  worthy 
of  that. 

"He  was  baptized  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven,  and  joined  the 
church  at  Piney  Branch,  where  his  wife  had  shortly  before  united. 
Here  was  a  turning  round  truly !  no  taste  for  dancing  parties 
now !  This  young  couple  turned  their  backs  upon  the  world,  which 
they  had  loved  so  well,  encountering  the  prejudices  of  near  kin- 
dred, and  the  confidence  of  dear  and  honored  friends.  They  now 
walked  humbly  and  firmly  in  the  way  marked  out  by  their  Lord. 
There  was  a  cross  to  take  up,  and  they  bore  it  cheerfully  and 
trustingly. 

"His  conversion  took  place  in  the  year  1811.  Very  soon  he 
began  to  exhort,  and,  being  encouraged  by  the  brethren  to  exer- 
cise His  gifts,  to  preach.  He  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry  in  1812,  by  Elders  Jeremiah  Chandler  and  A.  M.  Lewis. 
About  this  time  Brother  Lewis  resigned  the  care  of  the  church  at 

VOL.  II.  18 


206  JACOB   W.  HERNDON. 

Craigs,  and  Brother  Herndon  was  called  to  be  their  pastor ;  and 
continued  such  during  a  period  of  thirty-six  years,  to  the  close 
of  his  life. 

"  Some  time  in  the  early  part  of  his  ministry  he  was  invited  to 
preach  at  an  arbor  near  Waller's  Tavern.  A  goodly  number  were 
converted  there,  and,  finally,  a  church  was  constituted,  and  a 
house  built  not  far  off,  called  Good  Hope,  where  he  labored  with 
acceptance  the  remainder  of  his  days.  He  also  served  the  church 
at  Wilderness  twenty  years,'  and  Piney  Branch  during  the  latter 
part  of  his  life.  He  attended  his  appointments  regularly  and  punc- 
tually, discharging  the  duties  of  his  office  under  a  solemn  sense 
of  the  responsibilities  resting  upon  him,  and  with  an  eye  to  the 
approbation  of  Him  who  had  counted  him  faithful,  putting  him 
into  the  ministry.  He  was  accustomed  deeply  to  deplore  his  own 
insufficiency  and  shortcomings.  Much  beloved  by  his  people,  as 
many  now  living  can  testify,  the  Lord  added  many  souls  to  his 
ministry,  and  blessed  them  with  many  precious  seasons  of  revival. 
On  one  occasion  the  writer  saw  him  administer  the  ordinance  of 
baptism  to  fifty  persons  in  a  very  short  time.  He  kept  no  record 
of  anything  connected  with  his  ministry,  nor  any  notes  of  sermons, 
if  ever  he  made  any. 

"  His  book  of  theology  was  the  Bible,  and  he  studied  to  get  the 
sense  of  it,  by  comparing  Scripture  with  Scripture,  and  gave  the 
fruit  of  his  studies  extemporaneously,  in  plain  and  simple  lan- 
guage; his  voice  was  loud  and  clear,  not  harsh;  his  enunciation 
distinct;  the  truth  came  warm  and  fresh  from  his  heart,  and  was 
effectual  in  the  comforting  of  saints  and  in  the  awakening  of  sin- 
ners. His  singing  was  delightful,  and  he  enjoyed  it  much,  for  it 
was  performed  with  the  spirit  and  with  the  understanding  also, 
and  with  a  very  fine  voice,  which  he  could  control  and  moderate 
so  as  to  give  force  and  expression  to  the  sentiment. 

"He  was  eminently  social  in  his  habits  and  feelings.  Many 
were  the  pleasant  interviews  with  Brethren  Billingsly,  Gordon, 
A.  M.  Lewis,  and  others,  at  his  own  house.  These  brethren,  when 
they  met  together,  spent  the  time,  for  the  most  part,  in  religious 
conversation,  relating  their  own  exercises  of  mind,  singing  hymns, 
and  in  familiar  discourse  on  some  Scripture  doctrine  or  practice. 
Often  a  very  late  hour  of  the  night  found  them  thus  engaged ; 


JACOB  W.  HERNDON.  207 

their  hearts  were  full  of  these  things,  and  it  was  sweet  to  commu- 
nicate them  to  each  other : 

•Their  hopes,  their  aims,  their  joys  are  one, 
Their  comforts  and  their  cares.' 

"Brother  Herndon  was  a  man  of  good  judgment  and  much 
penetration.  He  understood  human  nature,  and  saw  through 
character;  he  made  up  his  mind  at  once  on  most  subjects,  and 
his  opinions  were  generally  correct.  He  was  distinguished  for 
sincerity,  openness,  and  candor.  What  he  thought,  he  said  with- 
out hesitation,  and  without  regard  to  consequences.  In  this  way 
he  sometimes  gave  offence  unintentionally;  he  abhorred  dissimu- 
lation and  flattery,  and  whoever  indulged  in  either,  in  his  presence, 
was  sure  to  meet  with  a  reproof  in  some  shape. 

"He  was  blessed  with  a  strong  constitution  and  uninter- 
rupted health,  till  about  three  years  previous  to  his  death,  when 
his  strength  began  to  fail,  though  he  still  continued  to  preach 
from  time  to  time.  His  last  sermon  was  at  Wilderness ;  when  he 
arrived  at  home  he  was  so  much  enfeebled  as  to  be  scarcely  able 
to  walk.  Being  conscious  that  he  was  failing  fast,  he  had  written 
for  his  eldest  son,  then  a  resident  of  Kentucky,  to  come  and  see 
him  once  more ;  his  other  absent  children  happened  to  be  at  home 
about  the  same  time,  and  found  him  worse  than  he  had  been ;  and 
soon  it  became  apparent  to  himself  and  to  others  that  his  days  on 
earth  were  few,  and  that  he  must  now  gather  up  his  strength  for 
a  preparation  for  death.  He  had  previously  made  his  will,  and 
continued  from  time  to  time  to  give  directions  to  his  wife  and 
children  for  their  advantage,  after  he  was  gone,  so  far  as  human 
foresight  could  go.  Then  came  the  examination  of  his  hope  in 
Christ,  and  the  evidences  of  an  interest  in  him.  He  seemed  dis- 
tressed on  account  of  his  sinfulness,  and  spoke  of  it  frequently. 
On  one  occasion  he  called  for  the  Bible,  and  desired  the  Fifty-first 
Psalm  to  be  read,  following  each  verse  with  an  impressive  sigh,  to 
show  that  he  made  it  his  own;  when  we  came  to  the  verse, 
'Against  thee  only  have  I  sinned,  and  done  evil  in  thy  sight,  that 
thou  mightest  be  justified  when  thon  speakest,  and  clear  when  thou 
judgest,'  he  took  it  up  and  repeated  it  aloud.  It  was  apparent 
that  he  was  much  engaged  in  prayer.  One  day,  as  he  was  lying 


208  JACOB  W.  HERNDON. 

quite  still,  we  thought  him  asleep,  when  he  turned  over  and  ex- 
claimed— 

'Jesus,  my  God,  I  know  his  name 

His  name  is  all  my  trust ; 

Nor  will  he  put  my  soul  to  shame, 

Nor  let  my  hope  be  lost.' 

As  if  afraid  he  should  lose  the  comfort  of  it,  he  hastened  us  to 
bring  the  book,  and  read  the  hymn  familiar  to  all,  beginning, '  I'm 
not  ashamed  to  own  my  Lord,'  etc.;  he  repeated  it  after  the  reader 
again,  and  often  reverted  to  it  afterwards.  Another  day,  he  asked 
for  the  seventh  chapter  of  Job,  beginning,  '  Is  there  not  an  ap- 
pointed time  for  man  upon  earth  ?'  to  the  seventeenth  verse,  '  He 
shall  not  return  to  his  house,  neither  shall  his  place  know  him  any 
more.'  He  summoned  all  his  family  to  his  bedside,  and  took  au 
affectionate  farewell  of  each  one,  addressing  some  suitable  admo- 
nition or  exhortation  to  each  as  he  thought  they  most  needed. 
The  servants  were  also  called  for  by  name,  and  shared  in  this 
affecting  scene,  manifesting  their  love  for  him  by  many  tears ;  he 
would  not  be  satisfied  while  one  remained  behind,  but  insisted  on 
seeing  them  all,  and  bidding  each  an  affectionate  farewell. 

"His  days  of  confinement  and  suffering  were  cheered  and 
soothed  by  the  visits  of  numerous  friends  and  neighbors,  brethren 
and  sisters,  far  and  near.  His  affectionate  heart  was  much  grati- 
fied at  this.  He  said  to  his  children,  '  When  you  hear  of  people 
being  sick,  go  to  see  them ;  lay  aside  your  business  and  go :  you 
cannot  know,  I  am  sure,  the  good  it  does  them.'  One  day,  while 
enjoying  a  visit  from  two  of  his  brethren,  deacons,  he  extended  a 
hand  as  they  sat  one  on  either  side  of  his  bed,  and  said :  '  Fare- 
well, Good  Hope !  farewell,  Craigs !  tell  all  my  brethren,  fare- 
well !'  The  answer  was  given  in  tears,  testifying  their  sorrow 
that  they  should  see  his  face  no  more,  not  unmingled  with  joy  in 
the  prospect  of  the  next  meeting,  when  pastor  and  people  shall 
rejoice  together  in  the  presence  of  our  adorable  Redeemer.  In 
that  chamber  of  death  the  Saviour  seemed  near  indeed,  and  we 
felt  that  the  sufferer  was  just  going  away  a  little  while,  and  we 
should  soon  see  him  again.  He  died  June  18th,  1848,  aged  sixty- 
four  years." 

The  narrative  thus  given  of  the  life  and  labors  of  Elder  Hern- 


JACOB   W.  HERNDON.  209 

don  by  his  affectionate  daughter,  will  serve  eminently  to  illustrate 
the  efficacy  of  the  gospel  in  giving  a  new  direction  to  the  tastes 
and  habits,  and  of  imparting  solid  hopes  amid  the  conflicts  and 
trials  of  life.  This  man  of  God  knew  how  to  appreciate  the 
gospel;  he  made  it  his  constant  confidence  and  rejoicing;  and  it 
is  not  surprising  that  so  deep  an  interest  was  felt  in  the  proclama- 
tion of  its  glorious  truths. 

Speaking  of  him,  Rev.  Mr.  Fife  remarks :  "  Elder  Herndon 
was  sent  early  to  school,  and  received  what  education  he  had  from 
Elder  Andrew  Broaddus,  to  whom  he  was  greatly  attached,  and 
whose  preaching  always  delighted  him.  His  own  style  of  preach- 
ing was  of  the  very  plainest  kind,  and  delivered  with  great  feeling 
and  earnestness.  He  had,  I  remember,  a  very  discriminating 
mind,  and  readily  determined  a  man's  character.  No  one  stood 
lower  in  his  estimation  than  one  destitute  of  candor.  He  was 
himself  firm  as  a  rock ;  and  loved  every  brother  in  the  ministry 
who  preached  in  simplicity  the  gospel  of  Christ.  I  remember 
that  his  judgment  was  highly  valued  when  difficulties  arose  in 
sister  churches,  or  in  the  Association." 

In  addition  to  the  above,  we  have  received  of  Brother  W. 
Beazley,  a  deacon  of  Craig's  Church,  a  reference  to  the  circum- 
stances of  Elder  Herndon's  career,  and  most  of  which  are  com- 
prehended in  the  sketch  given  by  his  daughter.  The  testimony 
by  his  deacon,  who  was  very  intimate  with  him  for  many  years, 
is  highly  commendatory.  We  extract  the  following  from  his 
letter : — 

"In  the  year  1818,  when  Elder  Addison  M.  Lewis  resigned  his 
pastoral  care  of  Craig's,  he  removed  his  membership  to  it,  and 
remained  in  this  connection  to  the  end  of  life,  discharging  the 
duties  of  his  office  as  pastor  with  faithfulness  and  energy,  and  to 
the  satisfaction  of  all.  Though  serving  four  churches,  no  man 
obtained  more  general  favor  among  his  members,  or  was  more 
beloved.  He  was  a  man  of  business  habits,  and  yet  he  frequently 
made  large  sacrifices  of  time  to  promote  the  good  of  others.  The 
writer  has  known  him  to  be  absent  from  home  many  days  together 
in  attending  protracted  meetings.  He  was  a  man  of  wealth,  and 
used  his  means  liberally  in  the  promotion  of  his  Master's  cause. 

"His  personal  appearance  in  the  pulpit  was  bold  and  com- 

VOL.  n. — o  18* 


210  JOHN   HICKERSON. 

inanding,  though  naturally  modest.  He  was  an  humble  man. 
His  language  was  plain  and  simple ;  his  appeals  were  pungent  and 
forcible.  He  always  commanded  the  respectful  attention  of  his 
hearers,  and  often  the  deepest  impression  was  produced,  resulting 
in  the  conversion  of  his  hearers.  He  seldom  made  use  of  anec- 
dotes, though  sometimes  figures  were  introduced  as  illustrations. 
In  correcting  any  disorders  in  his  congregation,  he  was  mild  but 
firm,  sometimes  pausing  in  his  discourse  without  a  word  of  re- 
buke. In  his  earlier  days  he  seemed  to  labor,  in  preaching,  with 
much  difficulty,  but  for  many  years  before  his  death  he  never 
failed  to  preach  a  good  sermon. 

"  His  last  disease  was  exceedingly  painful,  but  he  bore  it  with 
much  patience  ;  his  only  distress  seemed  to  be  that  he  had  not  beeu 
more  faithful,  while  he  was  able,  to  work  in  his  Master's  service. 
The  evening  before  his  death,  and  after  it  was  thought  he  was 
speechless,  numerous  members  of  his  churches  being  present,  he 
called  them  all  in  his  room,  and  being  propped  up  in  his  bed  so 
as  to  see  them,  he  said  he  wished  to  preach  to  them  all,  once 
more,  the  same  gospel  he  had  before  been  so  long  proclaiming  in 
their  ears  ;  that  he  would  preach  to  them  as  one  from  the  grave. 
He  spoke  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  loud  enough  to  be  heard  in  an 
adjoining  room.  This  discourse  was,  perhaps,  the  best  I  ever 
heard  from  him.  When  his  breath  failed  he  was  laid  down,  and 
afterwards  scarcely  spoke  again.  Thus  he  was,  unto  death, 
faithful." 


JOHN    HICKERSON. 

As  few  materials  exist  for  a  sketch  of  his  life  and  labors,  the 
request  was  made  of  Rev.  Thornton  Striugfellow,  to  prepare  the 
following,  which  is  gladly  furnished,  as  a  tribute  to  his  memory : — 

"  It  is  singular,  that  a  name  so  justly  entitled  to  honorable  dis- 
tinction among  us,  as  that  of  ELDER  JOHN  HICKERSON,  should 
have  come  so  near  oblivion. 

"  But  very  few  persons  are  now  living  who  belonged  to  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  at  the  time  of  his  death  There  is  no  minis- 


JOHN   HICKERSON.  211 

ter  now  living  who  knew  him  personally,  that  belonged  to  the 
ministry  during  his  life.  It  is  probable  that  the  writer  of  this 
sketch  knows  more  of  Elder  Hickerson's  history  than  any  man 
of  the  present  day.  His  knowledge  is  general,  and  but  slightly 
personal  and  particular. 

"While  a  small  boy,  he  was  surrounded  by  circumstances  which 
were  constantly  unfolding  to  his  mind  the  high  estimate  which 
the  Baptist  denomination  placed  upon  the  family  of  Elder  Hick- 
erson's father.  It  was  a  family  distinguished  for  piety,  and  one 
which  addicted  themselves  to  the  ministry  of  the  saints.  When 
the  writer  was  brought  into  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  many  years 
after  it  fell  to  his  lot  to  unfold  the  gospel  banner  in  the  same 
fields  where  Elder  Hickerson  fought  and  fell,  he  found  his  name 
covered  with  honor  and  embalmed  in  love. 

"From  the  co-workers  of  this  good  man,  he  incidentally 
learned  the  general  outlines  of  his  character.  He  well  deserves 
to  live  in  the  memory  of  all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in 
sincerity  and  truth. 

"  '  There  were  giants  in  those  days,'  and  he  was  one  of  them. 
Elder  Hickerson  was  born  about  1760,  in  the  County  of  Stafford. 
His  father's  family  was  supported  by  the  labor  of  their  own 
hands.  To  read  and  write  was  the  highest  literary  attainment 
of  such  families  in  those  days.  This  attainment  was  made  by  all 
the  children.  They  were  also  taught,  from  childhood,  to  know 
the  'Holy  Scriptures.'  At  an  early  age  he,  with  several  others 
of  the  family,  were  brought  into  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  Filled 
with  the  love  of  God,  he  began  to  exhort  those  around  him  to 
flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.  It  was  ultimately  discovered  by  the 
church  that  he  had  an  '  aptness  to  teach,  and  clear  views  of  gos- 
pel doctrine.'  Embarrassments  'were  numerous,  discouragements 
were  great,'  yet,  amid  them  all,  under  the  encouragements  of 
brethren  and  the  impulses  of  his  own  heart,  he  yielded  to  the  im- 
pressive voice  of  Providence,  and  ultimately  gave  himself  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  He  now  had  a  family  and  was  poor.  The 
Church  of  Hedgeman  River,  which  called  him  to  be  their  pastor, 
purchased  and  gave  him  a  little  farm  in  Culpepper  County,  and 
pave  him  occasional  help  to  cultivate  it  for  the  support  of  his 
I:  mily,  so  that  he  might  go  out  and  let  other  destitute  sections 


212  JOHN    HICKERSON. 

share  with  them  the  blessings  of  the  gospel.  He  and  a  few 
others  were  all  in  Northern  Virginia  that  occupied  conditions  of 
life  at  that  time,  and  suitable  gifts  for  evangelists.  Large  fields 
in  this  section  were  shrouded  in  midnight  darkness.  In  these 
fields  Elder  Hickerson  labored  much,  sowing  the  seed  with  'tears,' 
from  which  we  are  now  reaping  fruit  with  'joy.' 

"He  was  of  medium  size;  had  a  fine  constitution;  was  comely 
in  person ;  had  a  strong  mind ;  indomitable  courage  and  energy ; 
was  sound  in  the  faith ;  stern  in  manner ;  uncompromising  with 
error;  and  'a  scourge  to  the  evil-doer.'  He  was,  in  an  eminent 
degree,  devoted  to  the  service  of  Christ.  He  was  regarded  by 
the  great  leaders  around  him  as  a  tower  of  strength.  In  the 
midst  of  his  usefulness,  he  was  suddenly  cut  off  by  an  attack  of 
cholic,  leaving  a  widow  and  several  children.  His  death  occurred 
early  in  the  present  century.  Those  who  surrounded  his  bed, 
testify  that  while  agonizing  with  the  most  exquisite  pain,  his  soul 
was  in  a  transport  of  joy  at  the  glorious  prospect  which  faith 
opened  before  him. 

"  How  such  a  man  should  be  without  a  record  for  nearly  sixty 
years  is  strange.  It  can  only  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact,  that 
his  labors  as  an  evangelist  were  intimately  blended  with  those  of 
Elders  Fristoe,  Mason,  and  Moore,  who,  in  their  day,  formed  a 
self-supporting  phalanx  of  evangelists.  When  he  fell,  the  others 
thought  but  little  of  raising  monuments  to  the  memory  of  the 
past ;  they  were  intensely  engaged  in  battling  with  the  powers 
of  darkness.  Scarcely  a  new  ministerial  recruit  was  added  to  their 
numbers  till  almost  the  last  one  of  them  had  fallen.  They  often 
expressed  great  fears  for  the  ark  of  God  after  their  decease. 
Those  of  us  who  now  occupy  places  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ, 
have  generally  but  a  faint  conception  of  things  as  they  were  in 
those  days. 

"This  general  outline,  which  is  sanctioned  by  the  personal 
knowledge  of  the  writer,  suggests  that  Elder  Hickerson  acted  a 
prominent  part  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  and  that  a  full  and 
faithful  record  would  be  both  pleasing  and  profitable  to  the  living. 
But  the  materials  for  it  are  lost,  until  the  books  of  the  upper 
kingdom  are  opened  and  read  for  our  information.  Then,  I  hope, 


JOHN   HICKERSON.  213 

we  shall  see  this  dear  departed  brother  dressed  in  robes  prepared 
for  those  who  'turn  many  to  righteousness.'" 

In  addition  to  the  above,  we  learn  from  Semple  that  his  con- 
nection with  Hedgeman  River  continued  from  its  constitution,  in 
1791,  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  at  Leesburg, 
January  28th,  1809.  He  was  from  home  at  the  time,  and  his 
remains  were  conveyed  to  his  weeping  family  two  days  after,  and 
entombed  near  his  own  residence. 

Jeremiah  Moore,  one  of  the  giants  of  those  days,  concerning 
whom  mention  is  made  in  the  above  sketch,  says  of  him : 
"Brother  Hickerson  was  eminent  for  piety,  zeal,  and  laborious- 
ness  in  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He  never  lost  sight  of  the 
precious  doctrines  of  rich  and  sovereign  grace.  Few,  very  few, 
have  made  equal  progress  in  Divine  knowledge,  who  stand  on  the 
same  ground  with  him." 

The  following  lines  were  composed  by  Elder  Moore,  with  re- 
ference to  the  painful  event  of  Mr.  Hickerson's  death : — 

Hark,  hark !  what  solemn  tidings  roar ! 

What  strains  of  grief  we  hear ! 
The  mighty  herald  is  no  more, 

And  Zion  drops  the  tear. 

In  mournful  accents,  she  complains, 

Ah,  must  the  mighty  fall ! 
And  death,  the  tyrant,  ever  reign — 

The  grave  consume  us  all  ? 

Must  prophets  and  apostles  die, 

And  saints  forever  weep  ? 
Must  useful  gifts  and  virtue  lie 

In  death's  eternal  sleep  ? 

No !  faith  forbids  these  mournful  sighs, 

And  dries  the  flowing  tear ; 
Sees  saints  from  sleeping  tombs  arise, 

And  the  great  Judge  appear. 

Then  shall  the  herald  quit  the  tomb, 

With  shouts  to  sovereign  grace ; 
The  day  of  full  reward  is  come, 

And  saints  shall  take  their  place. 


214  JESSE   DAVIS. 


At  Christ's  right  hand  his  bride  appears, 

From  sin  and  death  released ; 
Her  eyes  are  washed  from  grief  and  tears, 

Her  soul  is  filled  with  peace. 

Eternally  his  saints  shall  sing 

His  praise  in  lofty  strains ; 
And  heaven  with  hallelujahs  ring, 

The  Lord,  the  Saviour  reigns. 


JESSE  DAVIS.* 

ELDER  JESSE  DAVIS  was  once  the  pastor  of  the  Hanover 
Chnrch,  in  King  George  County,  Virginia.  But  where  he  was 
born,  or  when,  or  at  what  time  he  was  called  to  the  care  of  the 
church,  are  all  unknown  to  the  writer.  But  the  earliest  recollec- 
tions of  his  boyhood  are  associated  with  the  fact  that  this  stately, 
precise,  white-haired  old  man  was  preacher  to  the  people  in  King 
George.  He  recollects  hearing  that  Elder  Davis  was  converted 
through  the  instrumentality  of  Elder  Toler,  and  was  baptized  by 
him ;  and  that  Elder  Davis  married  a  Miss  Downraan,  of  Rich- 
mond County,  by  whom  he  had  a  family  of  children,  all  more  or 
less  known  to  the  writer;  all  dying  before  their  father,  except 
two. 

The  first  serious  impressions  made  on  the  young  mind  of  the 
writer  were  made  under  the  solemn  funeral,  and  grove  preaching 
of  Elder  Davis.  The  church  was  then  small,  and  had  no  stated 
or  settled  house  of  worship,  and  no  doubt  many  others  were  im- 
pressed by  the  devout  manner  of  the  old  man,  and  by  the  solemn 
truths  he  uttered.  That  he  did  good  there  were  then  witnesses, 
but  they  are  gone  now,  except  one  precious  old  man,  who  lived 
when  last  heard  from  ;  Heaven  bless  him  if  he  still  lives,  but  if  he, 
too,  is  gone,  he  is  blessed  indeed.  Though  the  good  that  Elder 
Davis  did  was  not  very  extensive,  yet  for  many  years  his  deport- 

*  By  Rev.  L.  Marders. 


JESSE  DAVIS.  215 

ment  was  so  upright,  that  it  won  for  him  the  highest  regard  from 
all  classes  of  society.  Few,  perhaps,  ever  gained  a  higher  stand 
in  public  estimation  than  Parson  Davis,  as  he  was  called.  A  little 
above  the  ordinary  size  of  men,  upright  in  form,  dignified  in  ap- 
pearance, slow,  precise,  and  impressive  in  his  speech;  perhaps 
too  distant,  yet  affable,  to  all  who  approached  him.  His  people 
loved  him,  and  he  moved  in  society  a  model  of  excellence.  Alas ! 
perhaps  he  was  too  popular,  and  came  under  that  denunciation, 
"Woe  be  unto  you  when  all  men  speak  well  of  you."  He  might 
have  been  proud,  too,  spiritually  proud — God  knoweth.  Such  are 
the  recollections  of  the  writer  concerning  this  old  man  of  a  past 
generation.  Lifted  up  to  the  very  pinnacle  of  the  temple,  alas ! 
he  cast  himself  down  !  0,  woman,  what  hast  thou  done  ?  Heaven 
bless  all  thy  hallowed  influences  for  good,  and  restrain  all  thy  un- 
hallowed influences  for  evil !  Yes;  he  fell  from  a  sublime  height, 
and  great  indeed  was  the  fall !  "  Uphold  thou  me,  0  Lord,  lest  I 
fall !"  The  cause  seemed  lost.  But,  no  !  that  is  God's;  it  does 
not  depend  on  an  arm  of  flesh. 

There  is  a  recuperative  power  in  truth.  Their  leader  fell ;  the 
church  is  roused;  whole-souled,  honest  men  of  God  are  found  to 
rally.  May  the  names  of  Thomas  White,  William  Minor,  Wil- 
liam Cahley,  William  Rose,  Leir,  and  others,  live.  They  came 
together  to  call  on  the  Lord,  and  to  act  for  their  leader.  They 
promptly  excluded  him,  and  God  sent  them  help.  A  Templeman, 
a  Neale,  and  last,  though  not  least,  a  Montague  appeared ;  the 
cause  revived;  an  impetus  was  felt. 

This  took  place  about  181 7.  Elder  Davis  went  with  a  broken 
spirit  and  contrite  heart  the  residue  of  his  days.  A  Christian, 
no  doubt,  he  was ;  as  a  penitent  one  he  was  restored  to  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  church  and  the  exercise  of  his  gifts.  He  was  loved 
as  a  Christian  brother,  and  sympathized  with  as  one  who  needed 
sympathy  to  cheer  his  broken  and  bruised  spirit.  The  exact 
period  of  his  death  the  writer  does  not  know,  but  suppose  it  to  be 
somewhere  about  1834  or  1835.  He  must  have  been  upwards  of 
eighty  years  of  age,  and  had  been,  probably,  more  than  fifty  years 
in  the  ministry.  "  He  maketh  the  crooked  straight,  and  bringeth 
light  out  of  darkness." 


216  GRIFFITH  DICKENSON. 


GRIFFITH    DICKENSON. 

WE  are  indebted  to  the  pen  of  Rev.  J.  W.  McCown  for  the 
facts  necessary  to  make  up  the  following  sketch.  With  a  few 
additions,  it  is  inserted  as  furnished  by  him.  Not  a  few  of  the 
older  brethren  of  the  Roanoke  Association  yet  live  to  attest  to 
the  truthfulness  of  this  memorial. 

This  eminently  pious  and  devoted  servant  of  God  was  born 
August  8th,  1757,  in  Hanover  County,  Virginia,  of  respectable 
parentage.  But  few  years  of  his  life  were  passed  at  the  place  of 
his  birth.  An  unfortunate  second  marriage  of  his  father  led  to 
his  departure,  at  the  age  of  twelve,  from  the  paternal  home.  He 
found  refuge  in  the  house  of  a  kind-hearted  mechanic,  whose  trade 
he  learned,  and  with  whom  he  remained  until  his  eighteenth  year. 
Being  thrown  upon  his  own  resources,  he  spent  a  year  in  seeking 
suitable  employment ;  and  finding  it  difficult  to  procure  any,  he, 
in  March,  1778,  enlisted  in  the  Continental  army,  being  then 
nearly  nineteen  years  old.  He  was  ordered  to  the  Southern  de- 
partment, and  served  successively  under  Generals  Howe,  Lincoln, 
Gates,  and  Greene,  in  Georgia,  Yirginia,  and  the  Carolinas.  In 
his  old  age,  his  conversation  was  enriched  with  reminiscences  and 
anecdotes  of  that  trying  and  arduous  service.  His  details  of  the 
laborious  campaigns  of  Gates  and  Greene  in  the  Carolinas  were 
especially  interesting.  And  as  he  recounted  the  hair-breadth 
escapes  of  himself  and  his  fellow-soldiers,  or  the  brilliant  military 
movements  of  his  commanders,  the  ardor  of  a  Christian  warrior 
and  a  patriot  shone  in  his  flashing  eyes. 

Mr.  Dickenson's  term  of  service  expired  a  few  days  before  the 
battle  of  Guilford.  He  returned  to  his  native  county,  but  had  not 
long  been  there  when  he  heard  of  the  critical  situation  of  the 
British  army,  which  had  now  reached  Virginia.  Obeying  the 
voice  of  his  old  commander,  and  procuring  a  commissary's  com- 
mission, he  forthwith  joined  the  army  before  Yorktown.  The 
surrender  of  Cornwallis  having  virtually  put  an  end  to  the  war, 
Mr.  D.  was  again  discharged,  and,  in  the  winter  of  1781,  took  a 


GRIFFITH  DICKEXSON.  2 It 

final  leave  of  the  array,  having  for  more  than  three  years  bore 
arms  in  the  cause  of  liberty. 

After  leaving  the  army,  Mr.  D.  having  visited  a  brother  residing 
in  Franklin  County,  resolved  to  settle  in  that  part  of  Virginia. 
His  business,  however,  frequently  called  him  to  visit  Pittsylvania, 
where  he  became  acquainted  with,  and,  in  1785,  married  Miss 
Susannah  Shelton,  who  was  for  almost  half  a  century  the  sympa- 
thizing sharer  of  his  joys  and  sorrows. 

It  is  not  known  to  the  writer  at  what  precise  time  Mr.  Dicken- 
son  became  a  subject  of  Divine  grace.  He  always  referred  his 
first  religious  impressions  to  his  soldier-life,  the  dangers  of  which 
often  extorted  from  him  vows  of  future  amendment  and  devotion 
to  God,  in  return  for  Divine  protection  in  the  day  of  battle.  But 
these  vows  were  as  often  broken  as  made ;  and  he  continued  an 
alien  from  God  until  a  few  years  before  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century,  when  he  became  really  convicted  of  sin.  This 
event  was  brought  about  by  the  preaching  of  John  Jenkins.  His 
convictions  were  pungent,  and  his  mental  distress  almost  over- 
powering. He  was  accustomed  to  refer,  in  his  sermons,  with 
great  ingenuousness,  to  this  period  of  his  life ;  describing  it  as  a 
scene  of  protracted  spiritual  conflict,  of  alternate  exaltation  and 
abasement,  and  of  mingled  light  and  darkness.  The  poignancy 
of  his  anguish  was  greatly  increased  by  the  recollection  of  his 
many  broken  vows  and  aggravated  sins  against  light  and  know- 
ledge. But  after  a  long  eifort  to  establish  his  own  righteousness, 
he  was,  at  length,  induced  to  accept  the  righteousness  of  Christ, 
and  to  realize  that  man  is  "justified  by  faith,  without  the  deeds 
of  the  law."  He  was  baptized  and  became  a  member  of  White- 
thorn Church. 

In  the  year  1800,  a  portion  of  the  members  of  Whitethorn 
Church  withdrew  and  formed  the  present  Greenfield  Church  in, 
Pittsylvania.  Among  these  was  Mr.  D.,  who  was  appointed 
clerk  of  the  church.  The  same  year  he  was  licensed  to  preach. 
In  February,  1802,  the  church  appointed  a  day  to  consider  Mr. 
Dickenson's  call  to,  and  qualifications  for  the  ministry.  The  con- 
clusion was,  that  "  God  had  called  and  qualified  him  thereunto ;" 
and  a  presbytery  was  called  to  ordain  him.  On  Friday,  the 
10th  of  June,  1802,  the  presbytery,  consisting  of  Elders  John 

VOL.  n.  19 


218  GRIFFITH   DICKENSON. 

Jenkins,  James  Ilart,  and  James  Tompkins,  met,  and  resolved  to 
ordain  him.  Saturday  was  spent  in  solemn  fasting  and  prayer, 
and  on  the  Sabbath  the  service  of  ordination  was  performed.  At 
their  July  meeting,  in  the  same  year,  the  church  resolved  "  to 
spend  the  time,  till  their  next  meeting,  in  prayer  to  Almighty  God 
that  he  would  send  them  a  suitable  under-shepherd."  The  result 
of  their  prayer  and  conversation  was  a  unanimous  call  to  Elder 
Dickenson  to  become  their  pastor.  He  accepted  and  remained  their 
pastor  till  his  death,  a  period  of  forty-one  years.  The  church  was 
composed  of  many  who  were  Baptists  before  the  Revolution. 
The  church  greatly  prospered.  In  1813  the  membership  increased 
from  twenty  to  one  hundred  and  twenty- five. 

He  was  an  excellent  disciplinarian ;  the  church  had  frequent 
days  of  fasting  and  prayer.  It  is  an  interesting  fact  that,  under 
his  direction,  at  almost  every  church-meeting,  some  member  would 
bring  forward  a  "query"  concerning  some  doctrine  or  passage  of 
Scripture,  or  point  of  discipline. 

Elder  Dickenson  was  pastor  of  other  churches;  those  at  Rice- 
ville  and  Republican  Grove,  among  others,  shared  his  ministerial 
services.  He  performed  also  much  labor  in  traveling  into  dif- 
ferent sections,  preaching  the  Word.  For  several  years  he  pre- 
sided over  the  Roanoke  Association  as  its  Moderator,  and  exer- 
cised a  large  and  good  influence. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  gave  evidence  of  exemplary  piety. 
All  regarded  him  as  a  decided  Christian  man.  He  enjoyed  not 
in  early  life  the  advantages  of  education,  but  with  sound,  good 
sense,  and  respectable  preaching  talent,  he  commended  himself 
to  his  churches  and  congregations  as  one  who  sought  to  do  them 
good.  His  simplicity  of  character,  amiable  manners,  sympathizing 
heart,  made  him  the  object  of  universal  respect  and  esteem. 

His  genial  temper  and  unaffected  good  humor  brought  him  in 
constant  demand  at  weddings,  and  his  gentle  and  sympathizing 
heart  led  him  constantly  to  the  bedside,  of  the  sick  and  dying. 
His  house  was  the  home  of  ministers.  Industrious  and  enter- 
prising, his  life  was  an  excellent  commentary  on  the  wise  man's 
words,  "the  thoughts  of  the  diligent  tend  only  to  plenteousness." 
In  early  life  he  passed  through  many  hardships,  but  in  later  years 
many  friends  and  abundance  of  earthly  good  surrounded  him. 


LEWIS   CHADOIN.  219 

In  the  contest  between  the  mission  and  anti-mission  parties, 
Elder  Dickenson  took  the  liberal  side.  We  cannot  properly 
appreciate  the  trials  of  those  who,  in  places  remote  from  cities 
and  centres  of  information,  combated  the  ignorance  of  those  days. 
Elder  Dickenson  faithfully  stood  up  for  large  Christian  enter- 
prise, in  the  diffusion  of  evangelical  truth. 

He  continued  to  preach  nearly  to  the  close  of  his  life,  though 
in  his  last  days  much  afflicted  with  painful  disease.  His  spiritual 
graces  increased  in  lustre  as  his  body  declined.  His  faith  was 
undimmed,  and  his  joy  often  reached  to  ecstasy  in  his  last  illness. 
About  a  year  before  his  death  he  began  gradually  to  decline. 
Age  was  creeping  on  and  undermining  his  robust  frame,  but  his 
soul  was  bright  as  ever.  His  sight  failed,  and  he  became  almost 
blind,  but  as  long  as  he  could  move  he  would  not  omit  family 
worship.  At  length  he  became  entirely  prostrated,  and  his  mind, 
sympathizing  with  an  aged  body,  became  somewhat  debilitated ; 
but  his  faith  was  strong  as  ever.  He  talked  cheerfully  of  death, 
and  bore  testimony  to  the  power  of  religion  to  support  in  the 
hour  of  death,  beseeching  all  who  saw  him  to  prepare  to  meet 
God.  Thus  he  slowly  sank  into  the  arms  of  death.  His  feeble 
life  flickered  on,  until,  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  October,  1843, 
being  eighty-six  years  old,  and  ripe  for  heaven,  with  his  hand 
resting  on  the  head  of  his  favorite  great-grandchild,  he  peace- 
fully died. 

"  So  fades  a  summer  cloud  away  ; 

So  sinks  the  gale  when  storms  are  o'er ; 
So  gently  shuts  the  eye  of  day ; 
So  dies  a  wave  along  the  shore." 


LEWIS    CHADOIK 

THE  author  remembers  with  lively  interest  an  occasional  inter- 
view with  the  humble,  simple-hearted  Chadoin;  when  his  pil- 
grimage nearly  closed,  he  was  still  waiting  upon  God,  and  aiming 
to  honor  him.  He  was  truly  a  good  man,  esteemed  by  all  as 


220  LEWIS  CHADOIN. 

such,  though  his  pulpit  talents  were  not  such  as  to  excite  special 
attention.  We  present,  in  his  own  language,  the  leading  exer- 
cises of  his  mind  in  being  led  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth.  It  is  the 
substance  of  a  statement  made  by  him,  in  the  Richmond  Enquirer, 
the  oldest  political  paper  in  Virginia,  and  one  of  the  oldest  in 
the  United  States.  It  was  written  chiefly  for  the  benefit  of  his 
numerous  friends  and  relatives,  with  whom  he  had,  as  he  said,  no 
better  means  of  communicating : — 

"I  was  born  in  the  County  of  Chesterfield,  in  A.D.  1754,  and 
am  now  a  resident  of  Goochland  County,  Yirginia.  When  about 
fourteen  years  of  age,  I  was  greatly  concerned  on  the  subject  of 
religion ;  so  much  so,  that  for  seven  years  my  mind  was  almost 
wholly  occupied  with  it.  During  the  latter  part  of  the  seventh 
year,  I  felt  afraid  that  God  would  never  pardon  my  sins,  but  came 
to  this  resolution,  that  although  there  might  not  be  forgiveness 
for  me,  yet  would  I  die,  seeking  the  pardoning  love  of  God. 
Greatly  was  I  impressed ;  great,  indeed,  was  my  burden ;  but  the 
Lord  enabled  me  to  believe ;  and  when  I  thus  believed,  my  bur- 
den was  gone.  I  felt  happy  beyond  expression.  I  felt  that  I 
could  have  persuaded  the  whole  world  to  believe. 

"  For  three  months  after  this  period,  my  mind  was  so  occupied 
with  religion,  that  the  whole  amount  of  time  spent  in  thinking  of 
other  matters  did  not,  I  think,  amount  to  a  single  day.  After 
this  my  peace  of  mind  was  interrupted  for  about  one  year. 

"I  was  then  called  on  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a  soldier  in 
the  revolutionary  war,  which  I  did  for  one  year.  After  my  return 
home,  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  engage  in  the  work  of  the  ministry ; 
but  being  poor  and  unlearned,  I  labored  to  remove  this  impression 
for  two  years.  It  seemed,  however,  that  I  could  not  be  happy 
without  making  an  effort  to  discharge  a  duty  which  now  seemed 
still  more  plain.  The  effort  was  made ;  the  Lord  removed  all 
difficulties,  and  I  was  set  fully  at  liberty.  For  the  last  fifty-three 
years  I  have  been  laboring  to  call  sinners  to  repentance. 

"In  the  first  place,  I  built  upon  Christ,  believed  faith  and  re- 
pentance necessary  to  salvation,  and  have  never  since  changed 
my  views.  I  have,  in  no  instance,  had  a  stipulated  salary  for 
ministerial  services,  but  have  always  been  satisfied  with  such  free- 
will offerings  as  brethren  or  friends  might  give.  I  have  joined 


LEWIS   CHADOIN.  221 

in  matrimony  six  hundred  and  twenty-five  couples ;  have  preached 
more  than  five  hundred  funeral  sermons ;  and,  although  in  my 
eighty-fourth  year,  can,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  ride  ten  miles  and 
preach  two  sermons  the  same  day." 

This  was  addressed  to  the  editor  of  the  Enquirer,  from  his 
residence  in  Goochland  County,  December  1st,  1837.  He  lived, 
still  to  proclaim  the  Saviour  he  loved,  several  years,  and  then  fell 
asleep.  His  death  occurred  January  4th,  1845,  being  nearly 
ninety-one  years  old. 

For  many  years  he  preached  monthly  at  Cartersville.  An  in- 
cident is  related  concerning  him  at  that  place.  Daring  a  long, 
dry  season,  he  was  observed  to  pray  very  fervently  that  God 
would  send  rain  upon  the  earth ;  and  the  same  afternoon  a 
refreshing  shower  descended,  to  the  joy  of  all.  Although  there 
may  have  been  no  special  connection  of  his  prayer  with  the 
fall  of  the  rain,  yet  the  people,  many  of  them  unconverted,  had 
so  much  confidence  in  him,  that  they  made  up  a  contribution 
of  fifty  dollars  and  presented  to  him. 

His  funeral  sermon  was  preached  by  Elder  Andrew  Broaddus, 
from  the  words,  "Our  friend  Lazarus  sleepeth;  but  I  go  that  I 
may  awake  him  ou,t  of  sleep."  He  closed  his  discourse  in  the 
following  language : — 

"  He  who  restored  Lazarus  to  a  state  of  mortal  life,  can  cause 
this  mortal  to  put  on  immortality,  and  his  promise  is  pledged  for 
the  glorious  consummation.  The  rainbow  of  hope  is  struck  on 
the  dark  cloud  of  death ;  it  bestrides  the  graves  of  all  believers ; 
the  blessed  token  of  an  approaching  morning  of  cloudless  light, 
a  day  of  endless  peace  and  joy.  Let  me  remind  you  that  our 
old  brother  shall  rise  again.  Humble  and  unpretending  in  his 
course,  his  life  was  watched,  and  his  death  was  marked,  by  the 
Great  Shepherd  and  Keeper  of  grace.  He  was  the  friend  of 
Jesus.  He  now  sleeps ;  but  the  Redeemer  comes  to  awake  him 
out  of  sleep." 


19* 


222  WILLIAM  A.  WRIGHT. 


WILLIAM  A.WRIGHT.* 

ELDER  WILLIAM  A.  WRIGHT  was  born  in  Accomac  County, 
Yirginia,  in  1819.  He  joined  the  church  in  his  native  county  at 
the  age  of  nineteen,  and  was  shortly  afterwards  impelled  by  the 
love  of  Christ  to  devote  himself  to  the  Christian  ministry^  Pre- 
paratory to  this  great  work,  he  spent  six  years  in  Hamilton 
Literary  and  Theological  Seminary,  New  York.  He  graduated 
in  1846.  Was  ordained  and  settled  as  pastor  with  the  Union 
and  Providence  Churches,  Gloucester,  Virginia,  in  1847.  With 
them  he  continued  till  the  close  of  his  life,  in  1856. 

Elder  Wright  was  a  most  devoted  servant  of  God.  While  a 
student,  he  never  lost  sight  of  the  work  to  which  he  had  con- 
secrated his  life ;  and  all  his  vacations  were  spent  in  laboring  in 
his  Master's  vineyard.  As  a  pastor,  to  promote  the  cause  of 
Christ  seemed  to  be  the  object  of  his  life.  He  sacrificed  ease, 
pleasure,  and  position,  to  serve  the  churches  of  which  he  had  the 
care.  They  were  small  and  feeble,  but  these  facts  seemed  the 
more  to  endear  them  to  his  heart,  and  enlist  his  energies  for  their 
prosperity. 

During  the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  suffered  great  bodily  afflic- 
tion, resulting  in  the  loss  of  his  voice.  When  thus  deprived  of 
the  power  of  speech,  he  preached  Christ  by  circulating  the  Word 
of  God  from  house  to  house.  Though  limited  in  the  sphere  of 
his  labors,  his  influence  was  very  valuable.  Among  other  results 
of  his  ministry,  Brother  Johnson,  of  North  Carolina,  a  very  ac- 
ceptable and  useful  minister,  formerly  of  the  Methodist  Protestant 
denomination,  was  led  to  an  investigation,  which  resulted  in  a 
change  of  views  and  to  a  union  with  a  Baptist  church.  The 
writer  visited  Brother  Wright  in  his  last  illness,  and  found  him 
calmly  awaiting  his  change.  Not  a  cloud  seemed  to  obstruct  his 
view,  nor  a  difficulty  his  passage  into  the  heavenly  world.  He 
said :  "I  know  in  whom  I  have  trusted."  He  took  his  little  boy, 
his  only  son,  into  his  arms,  and  his  only  prayer  on  that  occasion 
for  the  child  was,  that  God  would  make  him  a  good  Baptist 

*  By  Rev.  A.  F.  Scott. 


JOHN   C.  IIERNDON.  223 

minister.  According  to  his  request,  he  was  buried  at  the  Meeting- 
house of  Providence  Church,  and  a  neat  monument  has  been 
erected  to  his  memory,  with  the  following  inscription : — 

"  In  memory  of  our  first  pastor,  Elder  William  A.  Wright,  the 
church  and  congregation  at  Providence  have  erected  this  stone. 
He  was  born  in  Accomac  County,  Virginia,  in  1819,  ordained  and 
settled  with  us  in  1847,  and  died  1856,  aged  thirty-seven  years. 

" '  For  I  reckon  that  the  sufferings  of  this  present  time  are  not 
worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory  which  shall  be  revealed  in 
us.'  Romans,  viii.  18." 


JOHN    C.   HERNDON* 

JOHN  C.  HERNDON  was  born  in  Fauquier  County,  Yirginia, 
December  16th,  1782.  His  father's  name  was  John  Herndon; 
his  mother's  maiden  name,  Sarah  Chapman;  she  was  a  widow 
Mountjoy  when  married  to  Mr.  Herndon.  The  parents  were  not 
wealthy,  though  in  comfortable  circumstances,  and  much  beloved 
and  respected.  They  had  five  children,  three  sons  and  two 
daughters:  John  C.,  Alvin,  and  Traverse.  The  two  last  men- 
tioned moved  to  Kentucky  in  an  early  day.  The  daughters, 
Nancy  and  Elizabeth,  married,  lived,  and  died  in  Virginia. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  when  about  twenty-two  years  of  age, 
professed  faith  in  Christ,  and  was  baptized  by  Elder  William 
Grinstead,  then  pastor  of  Long  Branch  Church,  and  soon  after, 
with  Elder  George  Love,  was  elected  deacon  of  that  church. 

The  next  important  event  in  his  history  was  his  union  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Alice  Nutt,  the  daughter  of  Mr.  Richard  Nutt, 
and  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  of  the  same  county.  Her  parents  were 
Presbyterians.  Alice  was  not  a  member  of  any  church.  It  was 
not  long  before  she  also  professed  faith  in  Christ  and  united  with 
the  same  church  as  her  husband,  and  was  baptized  by  Elder 
Robert  Latham,  who  had  taken  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church. 
iShe  was  awakened  under  the  preaching  of  Henry  Toler. 

*  By  Rev.  R.  N.  Herndon. 


224  JOHN  C.  IIEHNDON. 

This  union  proved  to  be  one  of  great  happiness  to  both.  With 
mutual  attachment,  as  husband  and  wife,  and  united  in  the  great 
principles  of  evangelical  truth,  they  were  bound  together  by  the 
strongest  ties.  Truly  did  they  sympathize  with  each  other  in  the 
joys  and  sorrows  of  life.  For  about  twenty  years  after  his  mar- 
riage he  was  engaged  in  teaching  school.  He  educated  the  most 
of  his  children ;  and  as  an  evidence  of  his  popularity  as  a  teacher, 
he  never  changed  his  location  or  his  school.  This,  with  a  small 
farm  which  he  had  purchased,  made  a  support  for  his  family. 

Elder  H.  and  his  wife,  Alice,  were  the  parents  of  twenty  chil- 
dren, eleven  sons  and  nine  daughters,  out  of  which,  four  sons 
become  ministers  of  the  gospel,  of  the  same  church  with  their 
parents.  All  that  have  made  a  profession  have  joined  the  Bap- 
tists. Henry  and  Traverse  have  been  called  to  their  reward  on 
high.  Henry  T.  died,  January  llth,  1834;  Traverse  D.,  Sep- 
tember 10th,  1854.  Only  ten  of  the  children  survive. 

There  were  some  features  in  the  character  of  Elder  Herndon 
which  were  striking.  He  was  a  very  decided  man.  He  governed 
his  children  with  great  firmness  and  affection.  The  words  of  his 
mouth  were  the  law,  ultimate  and  final  His  discipline  was  most 
affectionate,  as  well  as  judicious,  in  all  the  departments  of  life.  In 
the  family,  in  the  school,  and  in  the  church,  it  was  enough  for  his 
children  to  know  the  will  of  their  father.  His  religious  life  was 
marked  by  firmness,  consistency,  devotion,  zeal,  and  benevolence. 
A  custom  with  him,  in  which  he  showed  the  deep  interest  he  felt 
for  the  religious  training  of  his  children,  was  to  assemble  them 
every  Lord's  day,  and  hearing  them  read  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
himself  joining  in  the  service ;  it  was  done,  generally,  immediately 
after  worship  in  the  family. 

The  writer  well  remembers  hearing  him  say  to  a  minister: 
"Brother  L.,  the  greatest  desire  I  have  on  earth,  is  that  my  chil- 
dren may  be  Christians."  Another  incident  I  will  mention.  He 
and  his  associate  deacon,  (Brother  Love,)  were,  for  a  long  time, 
the  only  male  members  in  the  church  who  attended  the  prayer- 
meeting,  and,  very  frequently,  the  only  members ;  but  they  were  not 
discouraged  They  met  alone  at  the  house  of  God  on  one  occa- 
sion, and  covenanted  together  that  they  would  meet  there,  as  long 
as  life  and  health  were  granted  them,  on  every  Lord's  day,  and 


JOHN   C.  IIERNDON.  225 

pray  for  the  prosperity  of  Zion  and  the  blessing  of  God  upon 
their  families  and  neighbors.  In  the  years  1828  and  1829, 
they  were  gloriously  visited  by  the  outpouring  of  the  spirit  of  God, 
under  the  ministry  of  Elder  William  F.  Broaddus.  They  and 
their  families  and  their  neighbors  shared  greatly  in  the  work. 
More  than  one  hundred  souls  were  gathered  in  the  fold  of  Christ. 
Indeed,  there  was  a  continued  revival  of  religion  for  several  years. 
This  inspired  these  aged  servants  to  encourage  young  brethren 
who  began  to  exhort  and  hold  prayer-meetings  in  various  neigh- 
borhoods. The  church  finally  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry 
these  two  men  of  God,  after  they  had  filled  the  office  of  deacons 
well  for  twenty-five  years.  Elder  Herndon  was  called  to  the 
church  which  worshiped  at  Antioch,  in  Prince  William  County, 
and  there  his  labors  were  again  blessed. 

In  the  providence  of  God,  he  conceived  it  to  be  his  duty,  for 
several  reasons,  to  remove  to  the  West.  One  was,  that  by 
becoming  surety  for  another,  he  had  sustained  loss  in  property ; 
besides,  he  thought  his  children  would  be  benefited  by  removal 
to  the  fertile  West.  The  struggle  was  hard  to  cut  loose  from 
his  brethren  and  long-tried  friends. 

But  this  was  only  preparatory  to  severer  trials.  Stopping 
awhile  in  Kentucky,  with  an  only  brother,  he  was  called  to  give 
up  the  companion  of  his  youth  and  riper  years,  the  mother  of  all 
his  children,  and  to  pursue  his  future  pilgrimage  through  life  alone. 
She  died,  September  12th,  1838,  with  a  firm  reliance  on  the  Saviour 
and  his  finished  righteousness,  as  her  only  hope -of  acceptance. 
Her  counsels  were,  as  they  had  been,  of  the  most  faithful  kind  to 
her  children  and  all  around.  Her  remains  rest  in  Anderson 
County,  Kentucky,  in  the  family  burying-place  of  Edward  Mount- 
joy,  half-brother  of  Elder  Herndon. 

He  purposed  to  go  to  Missouri,  and  pursued  his  journey  with 
a  heavy  heart;  but  that  heart  was  fixed,  trusting  in  the  Lord.  He 
left  behind  his  loved  one,  to  sleep  until  the  resurrection  morn. 
He  reached,  finally,  his  destination,  and  could  say,  with  Jacob, 
"Hitherto  hath  the  Lord  helped  me." 

Settling  himself  in  Missouri,  he  commenced  preaching  the 
gospel  to  some  destitute  churches.  But  his  trials  were  not  at  an 
end ;  he  was  very  soon  called  to  follow  several  of  his  children,  and 

VOL.  II. — P 


226  JOHN  C.  HERNDON. 

servants,  and  connections,  to  the  tomb.  His  own  health  also 
began  to  give  way.  He  became  permanently  located  in  Lincoln 
County,  a  few  miles  from  the  county  town,  still  laboring  in  the 
gospel.  From  this  time  until  his  death  his  health  gradually 
declined,  until,  toward  the  close  of  the  year  1847,  he  was  called  to 
his  reward  on  high.  He  died  as  he  lived,  calmly  and  fully  per- 
suaded that  salvation  was  found  only  through  the  mediation  and 
atonement  of  Jesus  Christ. 

In  conclusion,  it  is  due  to  say,  that  he  cordially  sympathized 
with  the  great  benevolent  movements  of  the  age  for  the  spread 
of  the  gospel  at  home  and  abroad,  and  willingly  contributed  of 
his  substance  to  carry  out  these  benevolent  designs.  His  remains 
sleep,  in  Lincoln  County,  at  his  late  residence,  with  two  sons, 
James  and  Samuel,  and  a  loved  daughter,  Ann,  to  await  the 
sound  of  the  last  trumpet. 

In  connection  with  this  sketch,  it  will  not  be  improper  to  refer 
to  his  fourth  son,  Henry  T.  Herndon,  now  deceased. 

He  was  born  December  12th,  1812,  and,  as  a  youth,  was 
cheerful,  open,  and  bland  in  his  disposition ;  made  a  profession 
of  religion  when  about  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  was  a  devoted 
young  Christian,  intelligent,  and  very  useful ;  soon  became  a 
zealous  exhorter  at  prayer  and  other  meetings  for  religious  pur- 
poses. The  church,  seeing  that  his  gifts  were  more  than  ordi- 
nary, licensed  him  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  he  forthwith  bent 
all  his  energies  to  his  great  mission,  making  arrangements  to 
pursue  a  regular  classical  course  of  education  in  the  Virginia 
Baptist  Seminary,  now  Richmond  College.  He  was  making  a 
little  tour  from  home,  in  an  adjoining  county,  and  being  caught 
in  a  snow-storm,  rode  home,  facing  the  storm,  and  took  a  cold, 
which  terminated  in  pleurisy.  In  eleven  days  he  was  called  to 
his  reward  in  heaven.  He  expressed  an  earnest  desire  to  live, 
during  his  sickness,  simply  that  he  might  be  useful  and  serve  the 
cause  of  his  Lord  and  Master.  In  his  death,  his  family  were 
deeply  afflicted.  One  sister  was  led,  by  this  event,  to  seek  refuge 
in  that  Saviour  who  was  his  hope,  his  salvation,  and  his  all. 
Henry  was  regarded  as  having  more  talent  than  either  of  his 
brothers.  He  lies  in  the  burial-place  of  his  mother's  family,  in 
Fauquier  County.  He  died,  January  llth,  1834.  Thus  ended 
a  short  but  useful  life  in  the  cause  of  his  Divine  Master. 


JOHN  C.  GORDON.  22? 


JOHN    CHURCHILL    GORDON. 

WITH  pleasure  we  insert  the  following  tribute  to  the  memory 
of  one  of  our  most  godly  ministers,  from  the  pen  of  Rev.  Thorn- 
Ion  Stringfellow.  It  furnishes  such  a  record  as  will  reflect  honor 
on  the  gospel,  and  on  Jesus  Christ,  the  author  of  the  gospel : — 

ELDER  GORDON  was  born  in  the  County  of  Orange,  of  highly 
respectable  parents.  He  died  iu  the  County  of  Culpepper,  in 
1847,  aged  sixty-nine  years. 

The  opportunity  was  afforded  him  for  a  good  education ;  but 
he  had  no  literary  taste ;  made  no  progress  in  studies ;  and,  with 
very  small  attainments,  entered  upon  the  stage  of  life  a  man  of 
pleasure. 

When  he  was  about  twenty-one  years  of  age,  he  married  a 
Miss  Herndon,  and  took  his  station  in  society  in  the  midst  of 
highly  respectable  and  wealthy  acquaintances.  They  formed  a 
social  circle  of  weekly  visitors.  Their  social  gatherings  were 
taxed  for  every  amusement,  sanctioned  by  the  standard  of  polite 
intercourse  among  gentlemen  of  that  day. 

While  thus  indulging  in  all  that  can  call  off  the  heart  from 
God  and  fill  it  with  the  pleasurable  enchantments  of  earth,  an 
event  occurred,  which  was  made  the  means  of  his  salvation. 

While  seated  around  the  card-table,  which  was  a  consecrated 
source  of  amusement  in  this  circle  of  friends,  intelligence  was 
brought  to  him  that  his  beloved  son  had  fallen  into  the  mill-race 
and  was  drowned.  It  pleased  God,  in  an  instant,  to  embody  in 
this  event,  and  to  apply  to  his  heart  so  much  of  Divine  truth, 
that  never  after,  for  one  instant,  was  he  able  to  look  upon  him- 
self or  the  world,  or  his  relation  to  God,  in  the  light  to  which 
his  mind  had  been  accustomed.  On  the  contrary,  a  view  of  sin  in 
its  true  nature ;  the  law  of  God  in  its  immaculate  purity ;  and 
Divine  justice  in  its  awful  sanctions,  struck  him  dead  to  all  hopes 
of  mercy,  and  he  went  home  weeping  more  keenly  for  his  own 
lost  condition  than  for  the  dear  boy  that  he  was  soon  to  embrace 
in  the  icy  arms  of  death. 


223  JOHN  C.  GORDON. 

His  mind  was  astonishingly  enlightened  in  the  twinkling  of  an 
eye,  and  his  feelings  wholly  absorbed  with  a  sense  of  his  lost  con- 
dition. For  about  a  week  light  was  increasing;  sin  was  reviving; 
and  he  was  dying.  In  that  time  he  reached  a  view  of  the  Divine 
perfections,  and  the  nature  of  the  Divine  law,  which  forbade  a 
hope  that  he  could  escape  its  curse.  There  was  no  kind  friend 
to  throw  a  ray  of  gospel  light  into  the  darkness  which  surrounded 
him.  Guilt,  despair,  and  the  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment  and 
of  God's  fiery  indignation  preyed  upon  his  soul. 

His  condition  soon  became  the  subject  of  conversation.  Among 
his  friends  there  were  two  at  some  distance  from  him,  who  had 
been  a  short  time  before  suddenly  arrested  by  the  spirit  of  God 
and  led  to  the  Saviour.  They  heard  of  his  distress ;  agreed  to 
visit  and  try  to  comfort  him  with  the  comfort  wherewith  they 
were  comforted  of  God. 

Just  before  they  reached  his  house,  the  Comforter,  the  Holy 
Spirit,  in  a  most  remarkable  manner,  took  of  the  things  of  Jesus 
and  showed  them  to  him  in  all  their  fullness  and  sufficiency,  for 
the  putting  away  of  sin  and  for  the  justification  of  the  ungodly. 
When  his  two  friends  arrived  at  his  house,  a  meeting  took  place 
akin  to  that  which  belongs  to  the  upper  kingdom.  They  reveled 
in  the  love  of  God,  and  in  the  bright  shining  of  the  Sun  of  right- 
eousness. They  found  themselves  in  a  new  world,  and  were  filled 
with  a  peace  that  passed  all  understanding ;  with  a  joy  that  was 
unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  Mr.  Gordon  thought  that  the 
days  of  his  mourning  were  ended;  that  sin  and  sorrow  were  to  be 
unknown  to  him  in  the  future.  Having  bathed  in  a  sea  of  love, 
his  two  friends,  who  were  a  little  older  in  the  world  of  light  than 
himself,  were  asked,  each  one  in  turn,  to  pray  before  they  laid 
down.  They  both  excused  themselves,  (though  both  men  of  gifts, 
and  one  of  them  afterwards  a  distinguished  preacher.)  Mr.  Gor- 
don could  not  consent  to  retire  to  bed  without  prayer,  and  knelt 
down  and  prayed  with  great  fervor ;  and  never,  to  the  day  of 
his  death,  did  he  fail  to  do  likewise.  He  delighted  in  prayer  as 
long  as  he  lived. 

He  commenced  at  once  exhorting  all  men  everywhere  to  repent, 
and  to  look  to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  for  salvation. 

He  was    unacquainted  with  the  Baptists.     They  were  much 


JOHN   C.  GORDON.  229 

spoken  against.  His  mother  was  a  Presbyterian ;  his  ancestry 
belonged  to  that  church. 

Organized  Christianity  in  his  section  of  country  had  taken  no 
form  so  offensive  to  worldly  pride  as  that  of  the  Baptists.  It  was 
well  calculated,  therefore,  to  test  godly  simplicity  and  sincerity. 

Under  the  guidance  of  that  precious  Word,  which  he  had 
adopted  as  his  counselor,  Mr.  Gordon  was  led  to  seek  out  a  plain 
old  man  who  was  showing  to  men  the  way  of  salvation,  and  was 
baptized  by  him  at  a  place  where  there  was  no  church  organized. 

It  is  not  known  to  the  writer  that  he  united  with  any  church 
until  one  was  formed  at  Zion,  about  twenty  miles  from  him,  in  the 
County  of  Orange.  By  this  church  he  was  ordained  and  called 
to  be  their  pastor.  Here,  I  think,  his  membership  remained  until 
death. 

This  dear  brother,  with  a  very  limited  education  and  quite 
moderate  gifts,  accomplished  more  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ  than 
falls  to  the  lot  of  most  men,  whatever  may  be  their  attainments 
in  knowledge,  or  their  zeal  for  the  Saviour.  His  success  was 
eminently  from  God.  To  know  what  it  was  that  God  was  pleased 
to  bless  would  furnish  encouragements  for  others  to  go  and  do 
likewise. 

Soon  after  he  was  ordained  and  took  charge  of  Zion,  he  was 
called  to  take  charge  of  Mount  Poney,  Pisgah,  and  Zoar.  They 
lay  from  twelve  to  twenty  miles  from  him.  All  these  churches  he 
served  until  his  death.  During  the  many  years  he  served  them, 
no  man  in  the  same  fields  ever  commanded  such  congregations  iu 
point  of  numbers.  These  congregations  were  made  up  regularly 
with  a  fair  proportion  of  persons  from  every  class  in  society ;  and 
every  class  seemed  equally  pleased  and  profited  by  his  ministry. 

This  is  a  stand-point  from  which  a  mystery  appears.  Here  is 
a  man  who,  for  more  than  thirty  years,  with  limited  gifts  and 
slight  acquirements,  secures  the  unwearied  attention  of  the  most 
intellectual  and  the  most  lowly,  and  all  grades  which  lie  between. 
In  addition  to  which,  accessions  to  the  churches  he  served  went 
on  regularly  through  his  whole  ministry,  from  every  class  of  his 
hearers.  And  not  only  so,  but  time  demonstrated  that  the  assort- 
ment of  materials  for  building  up  his  churches  was  made  with  a 
discriminating  judgment,  which  is  not  the  common  property  of 

VOL.  ii.  20 


230  JOHN  C.  GORDON. 

much  greater  men.  They  generally  proved  to  be  lively  stones 
that  would  bear  a  polish. 

How  are  we  to  account  for  the  untiring  attention  of  all  classes 
of  society  upon  the  ministry  of  such  a  man  for  such  a  length  of 
time?  Was  it  owing  to  the  assiduity  with  which  he  gathered  up 
and  retailed  the  gems  of  greater  minds  than  his  own  ?  No  !  he 
never  borrowed.  Was  it,  then,  owing  to  some  remarkable  talent 
for  originating  something  new  ?  No  !  the  man  who  heard  him 
once  heard  substantially  all  he  would  ever  hear.  Two  prominent 
facts  present  themselves  in  his  ministry  that  may  account  for  that 
which  seems  unaccountable.  The  first  fact  is,  that  scarcely  one 
human  being  ever  started  to  hear  him  preach  who  did  not  find 
him  in  his  place.  Failing  in  this  habit  of  punctuality  has  rendered 
much  greater  men  comparatively  useless.  Punctuality  in  pastoral 
labors  generally  grows  out  of  love.  Love  is  the  element  which 
God  uses  extensively  in  building  up  his  kingdom. 

So  ardently  did  Elder  Gordon  love  his  brethren  to  whom  he 
ministered,  and  so  desirous  was  he  to  meet  them,  that  often  his 
impatience  for  the  time  appointed  to  arrive  was  visible  to  all 
about  him. 

The  second  fact  is,  that  he  carried  Jesus  Christ  into  the  pulpit 
with  him.  He  went  there  to  speak  of  Him  as  the  chief  among 
ten  thousand,  and  altogether  lovely  to  his  people,  to  hold  him 
forth  as  a  Saviour  for  sinners, — for  sinners  who  were  in  a  condi- 
tion which  he  well  understood.  He  deeply  sympathized  with  lost 
sinners.  He  stood  before  his  hearers  in  the  adornings  of  un- 
affected humility  and  dignified  sincerity,  which  won  the  listening 
mind  from  everything  but  the  one  thing  needful.  That  one  thing 
he  presented  in  simple  grandeur  which  commended  it  to  every 
man's  conscience  in  the  sight  of  God,  however  often  he  might 
have  had  his  attention  called  to  it  before. 

And  how  are  we  to  account  for  that  other  distinguishing  trait 
in  Elder  Gordon  which  contributed  so  largely  to  his  success,  and 
which  is  to  be  seen  in  the  selection  of  materials  for  God's  spiritual 
temple  ? 

The  source  of  his  great  success  in  this  particular  was  partly 
owing  to  the  absence  of  all  desire  to  swell  numbers.  This  waa 
not  a  weakness  with  Elder  Gordon.  It  was  also  to  be  found,  iu 


JOHN  C.  GORDON.  231 

part,  in  the  careful  analysis  to  which  the  high  and  the  low,  the 
rich  and  the  poor,  were  alike  subjected  by  him ;  and  in  thy 
familiar  acquaintance  he  made  with  all  the  secret  movements  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  upon  the  hearts  of  the  people  who  waited  on  his 
ministry.  In  the  most  unobtrusive,  affectionate,  and  respectable 
manner,  the  cottage  and  the  palace  were  alike  visited  by  him. 
Such  was  his  native  politeness,  that  all  classes  loved  his  company 
and  felt  easy  in  his  presence.  Such  was  his  gentleness  and 
tenderness,  that  he  gained  access  to  every  impulse  which  truth 
awakened,  and  watched  with  diligence  its  sanctifying  tendency 
upon  the  opening  character.  Hence,  he  seldom  judged  a  work  of 
grace  by  disclosures  which,  for  the  first  time,  were  made  at  the 
bar  of  the  church.  In  a  manner  peculiar  to  himself,  he  w*n 
the  confidence  and  affection  of  every  anxious  soul  in  his  congre- 
gations, whether  high  or  low.  And,  from  the  disclosures  thus 
obtained,  he  had  opportunities  afforded  him  of  dealing  out  advice 
and  counsel,  which  guarded  them  against  dangers  and  guided 
them  to  the  Saviour. 

While  his  life  was  devoted  to  fields  of  labor  at  a  considerable 
distance  from  him,  and  which  unavoidably  consumed  much  of  his 
time,  yet,  with  but  little  aid  from  abroad,  he  raised  a  large  family 
of  children  and  accumulated  a  large  estate.  His  children  he 
trained  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord,  maintain- 
ing rigidly  over  them  the  authority  which  love  sanctions;  and 
secured  from  them  the  perfect  subordination  which  love  yields. 
The  crowning  glory  of  his  labors  in  this  department,  was  the 
union  of  each  child  to  the  Saviour,  endowed  with  the  qualities 
and  qualifications  which  fitted  each  one  for  a  useful  place  in  his 
kingdom  and  an  honorable  place  in  the  world. 

His  servants  were  subjected  to  a  government  which  had  its 
sanction  in  love  to  God  and  good-will  to  them.  They  were  rigidly 
restrained  in  their  evil  propensities,  and  trained  up  in  the  know- 
ledge and  practice  of  that  which  was  good.  The  result  was 
mutual  love.  That  love  showed  itself,  on  both  sides,  to  be  strong 
when  he  was  dying. 

The  various  duties  growing  out  of  such  a  condition  in  life  as 
he  occupied,  the  cares  to  be  encountered,  the  unavoidable  draught 
upon  his  mental  and  physical  energies,  would  seem  to  involve 


232  J0HN  C.  GORDON. 

almost  the  certainty  of  shipwreck  in  the  great  mission  which  he 
had  undertaken.  But  that  was  very  far  from  being  the  case. 
This  is  to  be  accounted  for  from  a  peculiar  trait  in  his  character, 
that  deserves  to  be  noticed.  He  had  a  proper  time  and  a  proper 
place  for  everything.  He  had  a  time  to  attend  to  all  that  be- 
longed to  the  world.  He  had  a  place,  consecrated  by  the  Word 
of  God,  for  the  world,  (Eccls.  iii.  11,)  and  in  that  place  he  put 
the  world.  That  place  was  in  his  heart ;  but  it  was  very  far  below 
the  place  occupied  by  the  Saviour.  Worldly  business,  with  Elder 
Gordon,  was  a  religious  service.  Whatever  he  did  was  designed 
for  the  glory  of  God.  When  the  time  came  to  attend  to  minis- 
terial duties,  he  was  able,  through  grace,  to  lay  the  world  down ; 
to  withdraw  from  it  his  energies  ;  to  suspend  his  cares ;  and  to 
breathe  in  quietness  the  atmosphere  of  the  upper  kingdom.  He 
was  enabled,  also,  when  drawn  off  by  his  pastoral  labors  from 
home,  to  commit  with  confidence  all  his  secular  interests  to  God 
without  anxiety,  until  the  business  of  his  Master  was  accom- 
plished. These  seasons  of  absence  from  the  world  were  to  him 
times  of  refreshing,  when  he  mounted  up  as  on  wings  of  eagles, 
and  soared  above  and  beyond  all  his  earthly  world. 

When  he  was  called  to  exchange  those  higher  enjoyments, 
which  came  through  the  consecrated  channels  of  the  spiritual 
kingdom,  for  those  which  come  through  the  channels  of  devotion 
to  earthly  business,  he  lost  not  a  moment  in  assuming  the  respon- 
sibilities of  his  earthly  position  and  devoting  himself  afresh  to 
the  duties  of  domestic  life,  doing  everything  in  its  proper  time, 
and  keeping  everything  in  its  proper  place.  Hence  he  pros- 
pered, and  was  blest  of  God  in  everything  he  put  his  hand  to, 
both  as  a  Christian  minister  and  the  head  of  a  large  family.  His 
children,  when  raised,  married  happily;  were  patterns  of  piety 
and  valuable  members  of  society. 

In  addition  to  unexampled  success  in  his  regular  ministerial 
duties,  he  had  great  success  in  a  course  of  ministerial  labor  which 
was  almost  peculiar  to  himself. 

It  has  long  been  a  custom  with  the  Baptists  to  have  protracted 
meetings.  These  meetings  have  been  the  means  of  large  addi- 
tions to  our  numbers ;  and  in  proportion  as  distinguished  minis- 
ters have  been  secured  and  heralded  beforehand  to  conduct  them, 


JOHN   C.  GORDON.  233 

in  something  like  the  same  proportion  has  the  community  been 
excited  to  attend  them,  and  in  a*corresponding  measure  has  been 
the  increase  of  our  members.  Elder  Gordon  seems  to  have  dis- 
covered by  intuition  that  danger  was  to  be  apprehended  from  such 
a  custom,  and  did  not  encourage  it.  But  few  ministers,  however, 
labored  more  in  protracted  meetings  than  he  did  ;  yet  it  was  sel- 
dom known  to  himself  or  anybody  else,  when  or  where  they  would 
be  held,  until  they  were  in  progress*  If,  at  his  regular  meetings, 
he  felt  in  himself,  or  saw  in  others  what  strongly  suggested  the 
propriety  of  protracting  his  meeting,  he  yielded  at  once  to  the 
suggestion,  and  labored  on  until  satisfied  from  his  judgment  that 
his  duty  to  Christ  for  that  occasion  was  fulfilled.  He  frequently 
labored  alone  for  many  days ;  but  the  progressive  results  of  such 
meetings  often  brought  him  ministerial  aid. 

These  meetings  differed  from  those  rendered  interesting  by  the 
distinguished  gifts  of  their  conductors.  They  were  attended  by 
all  such  as  were  disposed  to  receive  the  truth  in  the  love  of  it. 
They  were  solemn  and  impressive,  and  were  conducted  with  great 
simplicity  and  fervor.  The  presence  and  power  of  the  Lord  were 
often  displayed  at  these  meetings  in  a  striking  manner.  Those 
who  left  them  in  need  of  sympathy,  encouragement,  and  instruc- 
tion, were  subsequently  attended  to  as  opportunities  were  afforded. 

Elder  Gordon  was  a  man  of  remarkable  humility  and  of  ster- 
ling integrity.  To  the  afflicted  in  heart  he  was  tender,  but  faith- 
ful in  reproof. 

He  had  a  benevolent  heart,  and  was  truly  a  father  to  the 
fatherless  and  a  friend  to  the  poor. 

He  was  sound  in  doctrine,  and  a  pattern  of  plainness  and 
Christian  propriety  in  all  his  conduct. 

His  influence  was  great,  and  always  used  with  good  judgment. 
But  few  have  died  leaving  more  seals  to  their  ministry,  or 
gathered  in  and  built  up  while  living  more  healthy  bodies  of 
organized  piety,  than  the  churches  of  Elder  Gordon. 

Under  the  transporting  influence  of  faith,  he  longed,  as  death 
approached,  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ.  He  will  be  remembered 
affectionately  by  great  numbers  while  memory  holds  her  seat. 

In  addition  to  the  just  and  well-prepared  exhibition  of  charac- 
ter furnished  above,  by  Elder  Stringfellow,  it  will  not  be  improper 

20* 


234  JOHN  C.  GORDON. 

to  notice  more  strongly  the  perfect  freedom  of  Mr.  Gordon  from 
everything  like  suspicion  and  "jealously,  in  mingling  with  his 
Christian  brethren.  Without  guile  himself,  he  was  ready  to  con- 
fide in  others,  and  always  rejoiced  in  the  success  and  reputation 
of  more  learned  and  able  men. 

We  close  this  biography  by  an  extract  from  the  funeral  dis- 
course, delivered  by  Elder  Cumberland  George,  at  one  of  the 
churches  served  by  Elder  Gordon : — 

"I  beg  to  detain  the  congregation  a  few  moments  longer,  by 
alluding  to  that  dispensation  of  God's  providence  which  has 
removed  from  this  pulpit,  from  this  church  and  congregation,  and 
from  his  labors  on  earth,  our  much  loved  friend  and  brother,  Elder 
John  C.  Gordon.  In  alluding  to  his  departure  from  among  us, 
I  mean  not  to  praise  him ;  his  praise  is  in  the  churches  where  he 
labored  and  in  the  circles  where  he  moved.  His  name  and  his 
memory  are  recorded  in  his  works  of  faith  and  labors  of  love,  and 
are  enshrined  in  the  tender  affections  and  imperishable  regards  of 
many  Christian  spirits.  Though  I  honor  his  memory,  I  will  not 
commend  him ;  for  his  record  is  on  high  and  his  witness  is  in 
heaven.  He  has  finished  his  course,  his  race  is  run ;  and  while 
our  confidence  in  his  Christian  character,  and,  consequently,  in 
the  glory  of  his  destiny,  has  borne  our  thoughts  along  to  the 
pearly  gates  of  the  New  Jerusalem,  we  return,  for  a  moment,  to 
linger  about  the  theatre  of  his  earthly  performances,  to  adore  the 
grace  of  our  Lord  and  Master  in  his  doings  with  his  servant. 

"Your  acquaintance  with  our  departed  brother  makes  it  unne- 
cessary for  me  to  say  much.  Our  friend  was  possessed,  in  a  high 
degree,  of  what  is  called  common  sense.  The  soundness  of  his 
judgment  and  the  discrimination  of  his  understanding,  led  him  to 
a  course  of  cautious  circumspection  that  told  with  great  power 
wpon  his  usefulness.  Although  a  man  of  but  ordinary  personal 
appearance  ;  not  possessed  of  the  charms  of  a  fine  elocution ;  with 
intellectual  powers  not  remarkable  for  their  brilliancy,  and  with 
but  few  scientific  acquirements ;  by  his  knowledge  of  human 
nature ;  his  knowledge  of  the  depths  of  Satan ;  and,  above  all, 
his  knowledge  of  God  in  the  office-work  of  Mediator;  by  his 
simple  heart-piety;  his  uncompromising  integrity  of  character; 
by  his  untiring  zeal  for  God  and  his  truth, — the  Head  of  the 


E.  S.  AMORY.  235 

church  made  him  extensively  useful  in  his  cause  and  kingdom. 
To  God  be  the  glory !  Thus,  after  a  course  of  labor  running 
through  more  than  the  third  of  a  century,  and  almost  upon  the 
verge  of  threescore  years  and  ten,  his  pilgrimage  was  closed  in 
peace  with  man,  and  in  the  joyful  hope  of  eternal  life  in  the  unseen 
world.  If  the  duty  were  mine  to  make  the  inscription  upon 
the  stone  which  will  designate  the  spot  where  lies  his  body, 
from  all  that  I  have  known  of  him,  and  of  the  success  of  his 
ministry,  I  should  write,  'John  C.  Gordon  was  a  good  man,  and 
much  people  was  added  unto  the  Lord.'  " 


E.   S.  AMORY.* 

ELDER  AMORY  was  a  native  of  King  and  Queen  County. 
Converted  early  in  life,  he  was  baptized  by  his  relative,  Elder 
John  Spencer,  and  became  a  member  of  Pocorone  Church,  under 
his  pastoral  care.  By  that  church  he  was  ordained  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry.  For  several  years  his  labors  were  devoted  to 
that  church,  and  to  churches  in  the  adjoining  County  of  Gloucester. 

Removing  to  York  County,  he  became  successively  pastor  of 
Grafton,  Warwick,  and  Bethel  Churches.  Of  the  two  last  named 
he  was  pastor  at  the  time  of  his  demise.  Though  confined  to 
secular  pursuits  the  chief  portion  of  his  time,  he  labored  zealously 
and  assiduously  to  promote  their  spiritual  interests.  His  labors 
were  not  in  vain.  God  blessed  his  efforts  for  the  conversion  of 
souls,  and  the  churches  were  much  strengthened  and  increased 
under  his  ministry.  Times  of  refreshing  were  experienced,  and 
many  were  added  to  their  number. 

His  heart  was  in  his  work.  His  preaching  was  plain,  pointed, 
and  practical.  His  great  aim  was  to  save  the  souls  of  his  fellow- 
men.  As  a  minister,  he  was  zealous,  pious,  devoted.  He  was 
ready  to  every  good  word  and  work.  All  the  benevolent  enter- 
prises of  the  day  found  in  him  a  steady  and  attached  friend.  He 
was  especially  earnest  and  zealous  in  his  advocacy  of  the  cause  of 

*  By  Rev.  S.  Jones. 


236  JESSE  II.  GOSS. 

temperance.  He  saw  and  lamented  the  evils  arising  from  the  use 
of  intoxicating  liquors,  and  omitted  no  opportunity  of  warning  his 
fellow-men  against  the  insidious  foe.  As  a  minister,  he  had  a 
good  report  of  those  without  the  church ;  as  a  Christian,  he  was 
circumspect  and  devout — blameless  in  his  life  and  conversation; 
as  a  citizen,  he  was  universally  respected.  Affable,  courteous, 
sincere,  he  secured  their  high  regard ;  as  a  proof,  under  the  new 
constitution,  he  was  elected  to  the  responsible  office  of  county 
clerk.  As  a  husband  and  parent,  he  worthily  fulfilled  his  relative 
duties,  and  by  his  family  was  tenderly  beloved. 

Elder  Amory's  health,  during  a  considerable  period,  had  been 
much  impaired,  and,  at  times,  rendered  him  incapable  of  dis- 
charging his  pastoral  duties.  Repeated  attacks  reduced  his  system, 
and  at  last,  while  comparatively  young,  closed  his  life  and  labors. 
That  gospel  which  had  been  his  theme  in  the  pulpit,  sustained 
him  in  a  dying  hour.  He  has  doubtless  been  removed  from  the 
church  militant  to  the  church  triumphant;  and  though,  with  his 
churches,  his  family,  and  the  community  in  which  he  lived,  we  feel 
and  lament  his  departure  as  a  heavy  loss,  yet  we  sorrow  not  as 
those  without  hope,  for  we  believe  he  will  receive  the  reward  of  a 
faithful  minister  and  disciple  in  the  approving  plaudit  of  his 
Saviour. 


JESSE  HAMILTON  GOSS. 

ELDER  Goss  was  for  many  years  one  of  the  most  prominent  and 
useful  ministers  of  the  Union  Association.  He  was  born  about 
the  year  1770,  probably  in  Orange  or  Albemarle  County.  In 
early  life  he  knew  the  power  of  God's  grace  unto  salvation,  and 
soon  began  to  proclaim  its  richness  and  fullness  to  his  fellow-men. 
At  Carter's  Run  and  Blue  Run,  in  Orange  County,  he  exercised 
his  ministry  for  some  time,  the  pastorate  of  the  latter  having 
been  assumed  about  the  year  1794.  In  1802  he  was  favored  in 
his  work  with  a  season  of  refreshing  from  the  Divine  presence. 
Somewhere  about  the  year  1804  he  deemed  it  his  duty  to  remove 
to  Western  Virginia,  and  located  himself  in  Harrison  County. 


JESSE   II.  GOSS.  23T 

This  new  field,  then  comparatively  uncultivated  and  rugged,  he 
entered  with  the  purpose  of  exercising  all  his  influence  to  render 
fruitful.  He  became  the  pastor  of  Simpson's  Creek  and  Salem 
Churches,  laboring  among  them  with  fidelity  and  success. 

In  a  notice  given  of  his  work  by  one  who  knew  him  well,  it  is 
said  :  "  In  his  early  labors,  while  he  yet  retained  the  active  powers 
of  youth  and  manhood,  he  was  exceedingly  useful  in  winning  souls 
to  Christ ;  and  was  greatly  instrumental  in  the  establishment  of  a 
number  of  the  churches  in  this  region  of  country." 

During  a  part  of  his  ministerial  career  he  was  accustomed  to 
travel  extensively,  preaching  the  Word,  not  only  in  Western  and 
Eastern  Virginia,  but  in  Ohio,  Missouri,  Kentucky,  Tennessee, 
and  Georgia.  Thousands  of  miles  were  thus  passed  in  these 
annual  missionary  tours,  not  by  railroad  or  steamers,  but  on  horse- 
back. An  incredible  amount  of  work  must  thus  have  been  per- 
formed by  him. 

His  style  of  preaching  was  accurate  and  clear.  Although 
making  no  pretensions  to  classical  education,  he  had,  by  a  course 
of  studious  habits,  made  himself  a  tolerable  master  of  the  English 
language.  Having  taught  school  during  a  portion  of  his  life, 
attention  had  been  given  to  various  branches  of  study,  and  thus 
his  attainments  were  more  than  ordinary.  He  was  doctrinal  in 
his  preaching,  but  not  so  as  to  disregard  the  experimental  and 
practical. 

He  was  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  from  Eastern,  his 
second,  a  Miss  Preston,  from  Western  Virginia.  He  had  no  chil- 
dren by  either  marriage. 

After  laboring  more  than  fifty  years  in  the  ministry,  he  was 
called  away  by  death,  on  the  6th  of  April,  1839,  at  his  residence,  five 
miles  east  of  Clarksburg,  Harrison  County,  Virginia.  "In  this 
event,"  says  one  of  the  ministers  of  that  region,  "  Western  Vir- 
ginia sustained  an  irreparable  loss,  for  he  was  a  good  man ;  an 
able,  active,  and  useful  minister  of  the  sanctuary.  If  any  man  has 
a  right  to  be  thankful  to  God  for  sending  him  to  Western  Vir- 
ginia, it  is  I ;  for,  by  a  sermon  preached  by  him  at  Centre  Branch 
Meeting-house,  in  1827, 1  was  made  sensible  of  my  lost  condition 
as  a  sinner.  It  eventually  proved  the  means  of  my  conversioa  to 
God.  I  had  the  unspeakable  pleasure  of  being  baptized  by  him, 


238  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

just  six  weeks  from  the  day  on  which  I  was  awakened.     Brother 
Goss  also  assisted  in  my  ordination,  August  10th,  1832." 

Eternity  alone  will  develop  the  amount  of  blessed  influence 
exercised  by  this  man  of  God.  Well  may  the  churches  be  thank- 
ful for  such  men,  and  earnestly  pray  that,  as  they  pass  away,  their 
places  may  be  filled  by  such  as  breathe  their  spirit  and  imitate 
their  example. 


ANDREW  BROADDTJS. 

ALTHOUGH  a  memoir  of  ANDREW  BROADDUS,  well-written  and 
faithful,  has  already  been  published,  it  seems  inappropriate  to 
suffer  his  name  and  labors  to  receive  no  notice  in  a  work  like  this. 
An  abler  pencil  has  indeed  sketched  his  character,  but  in  this  col- 
lection of  moral  portraits  we  are  not  willing  that  his  should  be 
unseen.  It  would  have  been  to  us  gratifying  if  the  biography 
already  prepared  could  have  been  transferred  to  this  volume,  but 
as  it  might  interfere  with  the  circulation  of  the  book  in  which  it 
is  newfound,  we  did  not  dare  to  ask  the  privilege.  It  will  remain 
for  us  to  present  a  brief  sketch,  that  the  name  of  Broaddus  may 
be  linked  with  the  noble  men  who  made  up  the  Baptist  ministry 
of  Virginia,  and  that  together,  as  in  life,  they  may  perpetuate  an 
influence  which  shall  be  to  the  glory  of  their  Divine  Redeemer. 

The  task  we  have  undertaken  is  a  pleasant  one.  The  admira- 
tion felt  for  his  talents  as  an  orator,  and  for  his  character  as  a 
Christian  brother,  will  have  its  influence  as  we  trace  the  record  of 
his  life.  But  it  is  not  designed  to  write  a  mere  eulogy.  As  far 
as  possible  it  is  proposed  to  present  a  true  representation  of  the 
man,  the  Christian,  and  the  preacher. 

Mr.  Broaddus  was  of  Welsh  extraction.  His  grandfather  set- 
tled in  the  County  of  Caroline  about  the  year  1717.  John 
Broaddus,  his  father,  was  permanently  a  resident  of  the  same 
county,  engaging  first  in  the  employment  of  teaching,  and  after- 
wards in  the  cultivation  of  his  farm.  He  seems  to  have  been  a 
man  of  great  decision  and  energy  of  character.  Not  only  in 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  239 

respect  to  business  matters,  but  as  a  religionist,  were  these  pecu- 
liarities evinced.  His  predilections  for  the  Episcopal  polity  were 
strongly  marked,  he  being  connected  with  that  church,  and  ready 
to  defend  -its  ritual.  He  engaged  with  interest  in  the  exciting 
scenes  of  the  Revolution.  He  held  some  position  of  trust  in  the 
army.  His  family  was  large.  One  of  his  sons,  educated  for  the 
ministry,  and  about  to  enter  upon  its  duties,  was  suddenly  cut  off 
by  death  at  an  early  age,  just  as  he  was  about  visiting  England 
fur  ordination.  He  seems  to  have  been  a  young  man  of  large 
endowments,  and  his  early  demise  was  an  occasion  of  grief  long 
felt  and  remembered  in  the  family. 

Andrew  was  the  youngest  of  twelve  children.  He  was  born  in 
Caroline  County,  November  4th,  1770.  Concerning  his  early 
boyhood  but  little  is  known,  excepting  that  the  budding  promise 
of  talent  and  usefulness  was  manifest.  His  father,  after  the  death 
of  William,  his  eldest  son,  cherished  the  strong  desire  that  his 
youngest  should  enter  the  Episcopal  ministry.  The  hope  of 
beholding  this  result  was  no  doubt  increased  by  the  indications  of 
thoughtfulness  and  the  thirst  for  information  which  were  seen  in 
his  boy.  But  the  rich  stores  of  knowledge  were  not  accessible. 
The  scholastic  opportunities  of  bis  day  were  limited,  and  he  was 
compelled  to  gather,  as  best  he  could,  a  scanty  portion  of  those 
treasures.  With  a  retentive  memory,  and  quickness  of  observa- 
tion, he  garnered  up  much  valuable  knowledge,  even  before  he 
became  aware  of  the  solemnity  of  his  position  as  an  accountable 
being.  He  loved  books,  and  all  within  his  reach  were  read  and 
studied. 

Only  a  few  months  of  actual  attendance  at  school  constituted 
all  the  systematic  advantages  for  securing  an  education  which  he 
enjoyed.  But  this  did  not  chill  the  ardor  of  his  aspirations. 
Within  him  were  felt  the  kindlings  of  genius,  and  they  could  not 
be  extinguished.  Says  Mr.  Jeter,  his  biographer:  "When  the 
light  of  candles  was  a  luxury  rarely  enjoyed  by  persons  in  the 
middle  class  of  society,  did  the  aspiring  boy  lie  flat  on  his  breast 
ou  the  floor,  poring  over  his  book  by  the  dim  light  of  the  pine 
knot  on  the  hearth.  From  his  father,  who  was  an  intelligent 
man,  and  had  some  experience  in  school-teaching,  he  doubtless 
received  some  instruction  ;  but  in  what  degree  he  was  indebted  to 


240  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

him  for  the  direction  of  his  studies,  or  his  early  attainments,  does 
not  appear." 

In  early  life  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  under  special 
religious  influence.  This  seems  to  have  been  produced  by  the 
instrumentality  of  Elder  Theodoric  Noel,  one  of  the  most  effective 
preachers  of  his  day.  Having  shared  in  the  hope  and  joy  of  the 
gospel,  he  desired  to  obey  the  Saviour,  by  putting  him  on  in 
baptism.  But  his  father,  who  retained  all  his  prejudice  against 
the  dissenting  classes,  interposed  his  solemn  prohibition.  Yet  in 
his  minority,  and  subject  to  his  father's  will,  he  was  forbidden 
even  to  attend  upon  religious  worship  as  conducted  by  the 
Baptists. 

In  this  embarrassing  condition  he  remained  for  some  time. 
Filial  love  came  in  contact  with  a  sense  of  obligation  to  Jesus 
Christ.  In  this  case,  as  in  all  others,  intolerance  but  quickened 
his  spiritual  desires.  The  spirit  of  persecution  never  succeeds  in 
effecting  its  design.  Resistance  to  one  who  is  pressed  by  the 
stern  demands  of  conscience  to  fulfill  some  requirements  of 
God's  word,  will  serve  to  increase  the  fervor  and  firmness  with 
which  those  demands  are  to  be  met.  The  body  may  be  chained  and 
imprisoned,  but  the  mind  never.  Many  a  disciple  has  gone  from 
the  place  of  scourging,  with  joy  that  he  was  counted  worthy  to 
suffer  for  the  name  of  Christ.  Many  a  feeble  female,  under  the 
tyranny  of  her  lordly  husband,  and  when  threatened  with  the  for- 
feiture of  his  favor,  if  she  obeyed  the  promptings  of  conscience  by 
affiliation  with  the  godly,  has  meekly  but  firmly  replied,  "It  is 
better  to  obey  God  than  man." 

Thus  it  was  with  Mr.  Broaddus.  He  was  not  to  be  driven 
from  his  position.  He  could  be  no  other  than  a  Baptist.  The 
tempting  influence  of  position  in  society,  which  might  have  been 
secured  by  following  the  wishes  of  his  father  in  joining  the  Epis- 
copalians, affected  him  not.  He  chose  rather  to  suffer  affliction 
with  the  people  of  God.  Whether  his  father  intermitted  his 
opposition,  or  whether,  in  despite  of  it,  he  carried  out  his  wishes, 
is  not  known,  but  he  was  at  length  received  a  member  of  the 
Baptist  Church  of  Upper  King  and  Queen.  His  baptism  occurred 
May  28th,  1789. 

It  must  have  been  a  pleasing  event  to  Mr.  Noel  to  recognize 

' 


ANDREW  BROADDUS.  241 

this  young  man  as  a  disciple  of  Christ.  The  fact  that  he  had 
been  withstood  by  others,  and  had  broken  through  all  opposition, 
gave  pleasing  evidence  of  the  genuineness  of  the  change  professed. 
His  talents,  too,  were  known  to  be  superior.  His  union  with  the 
church  doubtless  created  much  joy  among  God's  people. 

A  new  incentive  was  now  given  to  his  naturally  active  and 
inquisitive  mind.  Hitherto,  he  had  thought  and  read  as  the 
result  of  a  mere  love  of  literary  pursuits.  But  he  now  looked 
higher.  He  sees  with  new  eyes,  and  hears  with  new  ears. 
Christ  as  a  Sovereign  and  Saviour  is  recognized.  More  assidu- 
ously does  he  now  ply  the  laboring  oar  in  prosecuting  his  course 
of  study.  To  be  not  merely  a  scholar  was  his  ambition,  but  to 
acquire  knowledge  which  might  be  subsidiary  to  the  glory  of 
Jesus. 

The  great  work  of  preaching  the  gospel  was  almost  imme- 
diately, upon  his  entrance  into  the  church,  a  subject  of  serious 
thought.  He  began  to  exercise  an  influence  on  behalf  of  the 
cause  by  exhortation,  and  shortly  after  by  preaching.  It  is  an 
interesting  fact,  that  his  first  attempt  in  the  ministry  was  in  con- 
nection with  a  similar  endeavor  of  Elder  Robert  B.  Seraple. 
They  preached  their  first  sermon  at  the  dwelling  of  Mrs.  Lowrie, 
in  Caroline  County,  on  the  24th  of  December,  1789.  He  soon 
excited  attention  and  interest  among  all  classes.  From  the 
beginning,  his  career  was  almost  unprecedently  bright  and  pros- 
perous. He  was  admired  among  the  most  cultivated  of  worldly 
men,  as  among  his  own  brethren.  His  youthfulness  served  to 
interest  many,  but  his  superiority  as  a  public  speaker  gained  for 
him,  even  then,  an  almost  unrivaled  popularity. 

The  first  pastoral  labors  of  Elder  Broaddus  were  in  connection 
with  churches  of  the  Goshen  Association.  He  was  ordained  at 
Upper  King  and  Queen  Church,  October  16th,  1791.  The  pres- 
bytery in  attendance  were  Theodoric  Noel  and  Robert  B.  Semple. 
This  was  to  him  an  occasion  of  deep  interest.  Entering  upon  the 
full  work  of  the  ministry,  he  engaged  in  the  more  earnest  en- 
deavors to  qualify  himself  for  its  proper  fulfillment.  Time  was 
to  him  precious,  and  he  improved  it  well.  By  close  application 
a  knowledge  of  the  dead  languages  was  secured,  which,  if  not 
thorough,  was  accurate  and  extensive.  He  never  betrayed  a 

VOL.  ir. — Q  21 


242  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

pedantic  spirit  in  r  aspect  to  his  attainments  in  Latin  and  Greek. 
If  a  criticism  or  quotation  in  the  original  was  introduced,  it  was 
in  a  modest  and  unpretending  manner.  Those  who  knew  him 
best,  and  what  his  attainments  were,  could  readily  regard  him  as 
better  versed  in  those  matters  than  his  own  profession  would 
allow.  Nor  did  he  confine  himself  to  linguistic  acquisitions. 
The  whole  field  of  literature  was  explored.  Many  a  flower  was 
plucked,  and  much  fruit  gathered.  He  delighted  to  contemplate 
God  in  his  works,  and  to  make  all  his  attainments  in  knowledge 
contribute  to  His  glory. 

Among  the  first  churches  he  served  was  Burrus's  and  Bethel, 
in  the  County  of  Caroline,  and  the  church  in  Fredericksburg.  In 
the  organization  of  the  two  latter  he  was  chiefly  instrumental. 
In  Fredericksburg  his  visits  were  monthly,  and  this  was,  for  a 
series  of  years,  the  only  pastoral  supply  they  enjoyed.  His  con- 
gregations here  were  large,  attentive,  and  appreciative.  Seraple 
remarks  respecting  his  labors  with  the  church:  "If  there  is  any 
objection  to  Mr.  Broaddus's  ministry  in  this  city,  it  is  that  he  is 
too  popular  with  the  irreligious.  It  may  be  said  of  him  as  was 
said  of  Ezekiel :  '  So  thou  art  unto  them  as  a  very  lovely  song, 
of  one  that  hath  a  pleasant  voice,  and  can  play  well  on  an  instru- 
ment; for  they  hear  thy  words,  but  they  do  them  not.'  This 
remark  by  no  means  applies  to  the  church,  for  although  they  hear 
with  much  pleasure,  they  practice  with  more." 

The  connection  with  Bethel  Church  was  equally  pleasant  and 
profitable.  The  same  author  testifies :  "Elder  A.  Broaddus,  pastor 
of  Burrus's,  attends  here  monthly.  He  is  viewed  as  their  father, 
and  from  him,  as  children  from  a  father,  they  receive  that  counsel 
by  which  they  are  nurtured  up  to  everlasting  life." 

The  chief  field  of  labor  during  this  period  of  his  ministerial  life 
was  Burrus's  Church.  His  residence  being  very  near,  the  influence 
he  exercised  was  more  direct.  The  first  meeting  of  the  Association 
after  his  removal,  the  following  record  is  made  in  the  minutes :  "In 
the  midst  of  affliction  we  have  to  mention,  with  thankfulness  to  the 
great  Head  of  Zion,  that  Elder  Andrew  Broaddus,  who  has  been 
a  shining  light  in  the  churches  these  several  years  past,  has,  at 
the  call  of  Burrus's,  consented  to  take  the  pastoral  care  of  that 
church,  and  is  consequently  a  member  of  our  Association." 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  243 

When  a  resident  of  Caroline  County,  near  Burrus's  Church,  his 
support  was  mainly  from  the  proceeds  of  a  school  conducted  by 
him.  While  thus  employed,  opportunity  was  still  further  enjoyed 
for  mental  cultivation,  and  it  was  not  neglected.  He  was  per- 
mitted, too,  in  the  exercise  of  a  large  influence  over  the  youth 
placed  under  his  charge,  to  do  much  for  the  promotion  of  all  the 
interests  of  true  religion,  and  thus  a  hold  on  the  affections  of  the 
people  was  here  secured. 

Subsequently  his  pastoral  relation  to  the  above-named  churches 
ceased,  and  he  became,  at  different  periods,  the  bishop  of  Upper 
Zion,  Beulah,  Mangohic,  Salem,  and  Upper  King  and  Queen 
Churches.  For  a  limited  period  he  may  also  have  preached  for 
other  churches.  The  pastorate  of  Salem  Church  was  assumed  as 
early  as  1820,  and  that  of  Upper  King  and  Queen  in  1827,  upon 
the  retirement  of  Elder  Semple  to  superintend  the  interests  of 
Columbian  College.  In  these  two  churches  his  largest,  ministerial 
influence  was  felt,  and  continued  to  the  end  of  life.  Never  was 
any  man  more  tenderly  loved  by  his  people,  and  never  had  any 
people  more  reason  to  love  their  pastor.  He  fed  them  with  the 
sincere  milk  of  the  Word,  and,  when  needful,  with  strong  meat. 

Mr.  Broaddus  traveled  but  little  from  home,  except  in  the  early 
part  of  his  history,  when  several  tours  were  taken  in  the  upper 
counties  of  the  State.  In  these  excursions  he  suffered  not  his 
time  and  talents  to  be  wasted,  but  expounded  the  word  of  the 
Lord,  confirming  the  churches  wherever  he  went.  With  gladness 
the  brethren  he  visited  hung  upon  his  lips,  as  in  his  own  peculiar 
way  he  unfolded  the  Scriptures  and  held  up  a  crucified  Saviour 
to  perishing  sinners.  These  tours,  and  the  intercourse  with  those 
he  loved,  will  be  remembered  by  many  for  years  to  come.  One 
of  the  excursions  made  by  him  was  extended  as  far  as  Kentucky. 
He  had  been  urged  to  make  the  West  his  home.  While  absent, 
several  flattering  offers  were  made,  but  he  could  not  be  induced  to 
entertain  them.  His  return  to  the  Old  Dominion,  the  scenes 
of  his  previous  life,  only  endeared  them  the  more  to  his  heart,  and 
no  inducements  were  sufficient  to  rend  the  ties  which  bound  him 
to  his  beloved  and  confiding  people. 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  while  he  seldom  visited  large  meet- 
ings of  the  denomination,  and  was  unknown  by  face,  and  as  a 


244  ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

preacher,  out  of  his  own  State,  he  received  numerous  invitations 
from  different  and  distant  churches  to  become  their  pastor.  Says 
Mr.  Jeter:  "  Few  ministers  received  more  flattering  offers  to  settle 
abroad  than  did  Elder  Broaddus.  If  he  remained  in  his  native 
Caroline  it  was  not  because  fields  wide,  pleasing  and  full  of  promise, 
were  not  opened  to  him.  He  was  invited  to  accept  the  pastoral 
charge,  or  was  corresponded  with  on  the  subject  of  accepting  it, 
by  the  following  churches: — the  First  Church,  Boston,  in  1811 
and  1812,  to  supply  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death  of  Dr. 
Stillman;  the  First  Church,  Philadelphia,  in  1811,  to  supply  the 
place  of  Dr.  Staughton;  the  First  Church,  Baltimore,  in  1819; 
the  New  Market  Street  Church,  Philadelphia,  in  1819;  the  San- 
som  Street  Church,  Philadelphia,  in  1824;  the  First  Church,  in 
Philadelphia,  again  in  1825;  the  Norfolk  Church,  in  1826;  the 
First  Church,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  in  1832;  the  First 
Church,  Richmond,  1833;  not  to  mention  other  calls  of  minor 
importance.  These  invitations  to  settle  in  cities  and  towns,  in 
prominent  positions,  with  wealthy  and  flourishing  churches,  pay- 
ing their  pastors  generous  salaries,  he  deemed  it  his  duty  to 
decline ;  partly  because  he  was  averse  to  change,  and  reluctant  to 
leave  his  old  and  tried  friends,  but  mainly  because  of  an  unfortu- 
nate nervous  sensitiveness,  which  rendered  him  timid  among 
strangers,  and,  in  a  great  measure,  disqualified  him  from  laboring 
in  new  and  exciting  circumstances." 

This  timidity  he  was  once  enabled  to  overcome  in  the  accept- 
ance of  a  call  from  the  First  Baptist  Church,  of  the  City  of  Rich- 
mond, in  1826.  He  had  many  warm  friends  in  that  city,  and  his 
reputation  was  such,  that  no  man  there  could  command  larger 
congregations.  But  his  continuance  was  of  short  duration.  He 
soon  returned  to  the  country. 

As  an  author,  Mr.  Broaddus,  at  an  early  period,  distinguished 
himself.  His  first  endeavor  was  a  reply  to  Thomas  Paine's  cele- 
brated attack  on  Christianity.  It  is  a  small  volume,  of  more  than 
seventy  pages,  entitled  "  The  Age  of  Reason  and  Revelation,1" 
or  animadversions  on  Mr.  Thomas  Paine's  late  piece,  "The  Age 
of  Reason."  It  is  inscribed  to  "the  venerable  George  Washing- 
ton, President  of  the  United  States  of  America,  and  to  the  citi- 
zens in  general."  It  is  a  manly  expose  of  the  absurdities  of  deism. 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  2i5 

In  bis  preface,  he  says :  "  It  is  a  query  with  some,  whether  it 
would  be  most  expedient  to  take  notice  of  Mr.  Paine's  Age  of 
Reason  by  way  of  answer,  or  to  treat  it  with  silent  contempt. 
Though  it  may  deserve  the  latter,  yet  this  might  be  construed  by 
some  as  a  tacit  confession  of  the  soundness  of  that  piece.  Armed, 
therefore,  from  the  sacred  magazine,  I  have  ventured  into  the 
field.  Whether  I  have  used  these  weapons  to  advantage,  the 
reader  must  determine  for  himself.  If  I  have,  I  wish  the  glory 
to  be  ascribed  to  the  Father  of  lights.  If  I  have  not,  the  shame 
belongs  to  me ;  not  to  the  cause  I  have  undertaken,  because  I 
must  still  be  confident  of  its  goodness ;  not  to  any  other  person, 
because  no  correcting  hand  besides  my  own  has  touched  this 
work." 

Referring  to  the  argument  of  spiritual  domination  sought  by 
many  adherents  of  Christianity,  as  used  by  Mr.  Paine,  the  author 
of  this  treatise  vindicates  the  Word  of  God,  and  all  who  truly 
receive  and  follow  that  Word.  He  shows  that  spiritual  intole- 
rance is  not  a  product  of  the  gospel,  but  opposed  to  it.  The  fol- 
lowing language  is  used  :  "  When  we  consider  that  the  adulterous 
connection  of  Church  and  State,  or  the  Establishment  of  Churches, 
and  every  degree  of  spiritual  tyranny  and  oppression,  seem  to  have 
furnished  Mr.  P.  with  weapons  against  Christianity,  how  can  we 
refrain  from  wishing  that  every  vestige  of  such  oppression  were 
extirpated  from  the  earth,  and  how  can  we,  without  lamenting, 
reflect  that  this  is  not  the  case,  even  in  our  favored  America — in 
America,  which  boasts  a  freedom  from  the  shackles  of  tyranny, 
civil  and  religious  ?  It  may  easily  be  guessed,  that  I  allude  to  the 
much  discussed  matter  concerning  the  glebes,  and  the  free  use  of 
the  chapels. 

"Whatever  may  be  said  by  refined  politicians  to  justify  or  pal- 
liate the  matter,  it  is  certain  that  an  appendage  of  the  former 
establishment  does  at  present  remain;  and  as  certain  as  that  was 
unjust,  was  oppressive — so  is  this.  If  now  our  constitution  or 
laws  cannot  possibly  admit  of  a  cure,  we  must  patiently  endure 
the  malady ;  but  if  there  is  a  balm  in  our  Gilead  for  the  wound, 
why  is  not  the  health  of  the  daughter  of  America  recovered  ?  I 
assure  the  public  it  is  in  the  character  of  a  son  of  liberty  that  I 

21* 


246  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

make  these  observations,  and  not  as  the  partisan  of  a  particular 
sect." 

The  above-named  work  was  published  in  1195,  so  that  he  seems, 
in  the  early  part  of  his  ministerial  career,  to  have  cultivated  his 
talent  in  writing  for  the  defence  of  the  truth.  He  was  prepared 
to  take  his  stand  at  the  outworks  of  the  Christian  system,  and 
boldly  meet  its  assailants.  Nor  is  it  saying  too  much,  to  affirm 
that  this  stripling  in  age  and  polemics  most  triumphantly  repelled 
his  bold  and  artful  adversary. 

Yarious  smaller  and  somewhat  fugitive  pieces  after  this  pro- 
ceeded from  his  pen,  while  he  was  yet  a  comparatively  young  man. 
The  next  important  work  published  by  him  was  a  "  Bible  History, 
with  occasional  notes,  to  illustrate  and  explain  difficult  passages." 
This  appeared  from  the  press  in  1816.  It  is  a  duodecimo  volume, 
of  between  three  and  four  hundred  pages.  It  was  prepared,  as 
he  said,  to  facilitate  "  a  diffusive  knowledge  of  sacred  history," 
and  is  admirably  suited  to  schools  and  families.  Our  regret  is, 
that  it  has  had  a  circulation  so  limited.  The  notes  are  invaluable. 
If  it  could  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  our  young  church  members, 
it  would  greatly  aid  in  their  perusal  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments. The  style  is  easy  and  flowing,  The  whole  plan  and 
execution  of  the  book  evince  sound  judgment,  great  skill,  and 
persevering  industry.  If  nothing  else  had  been  written  by 
him,  a  lasting  debt  of  gratitude  would  have  been  due  by  the 
churches. 

The  notice  of  this  work  naturally  suggests  the  propriety  of 
referring  to  the  call  made  upon  him,  by  special  resolve  of  the 
Dover  Association,  to  prepare  an  exposition  of  the  sacred 
volume.  No  man  was  more  eminently  fitted  for  this  task.  His 
knowledge  of  the  Bible  was  thorough  and  critical.  Could  he 
have  brought  his  mind  to  bear  upon  this  as  a  work  to  be  per- 
formed by  him,  it  is  doubtful  whether  any  commentary  in  exist- 
ence, for  practical  and  popular  use,  would  have  been  more 
valuable.  But  this  work  he  never  performed. 

Mention  ought  to  be  made  here  of  the  Catechism  for  Children, 
prepared  by  him,  and  published  by  the  American  Baptist  Publica- 
tion Society.  This  little  book  illustrates  the  readiness  with  which 
he  could  come  down  to  the  infantile  mind,  making  the  great 
- 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  24T 

truths  of  inspiration  familiar,  and  presenting  them  in  such  a  light 
as  to  impart  to  them  a  peculiar  freshness  and  interest.  The 
Catechism  has  had  a  large  circulation,  and  deserves  a  place  in  all 
our  Sunday-schools  and  families. 

A  manual  of  church  polity  and  discipline  was  also  drawn  up  by 
Mr.  Broaddus,  by  special  request  of  the  Dover  Association.  It 
is  a  valuable  document,  and  has  been  received  with  favor  by  the 
churches  of  that  and  other  bodies.  His  views  on  the  expediency 
of  some  statement  of  the  general  sentiments  entertained  by  the 
churches,  are  expressed  in  a  letter  to  a  friend.  "Opposed  as  I 
am,  and  long  have  been,  to  a  detailed  confession  of  faith,  as  a  test 
of  fellowship  and  bond  of  union,  I  am  nevertheless  persuaded 
that  our  churches  stand  in  need  of  a  summary  of  leading  princi- 
ples, such  as  have  been  generally  recognized  by  the  great  body  of 
United  Baptists,  to  be  incorporated  in  the  Church  Covenant,  or 
in  the  Constitution,  and  to  be  resorted  to  as  occasion  may  require, 
to  be  the  test  of  fellowship,  and  to  enable  the  churches  with  more 
facility  to  clear  themselves  of  radical  and  injurious  errors.  The 
times  appear  to  render  such  a  measure  a  desideratum;  and  we 
must  either  agree  to  admit  Mr.  Campbell's  platform — a  mere  pro- 
fession of  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  immersion — disregarding  any 
difference  as  to  religious  sentiment — or  we  must  have  an  expres- 
sion of  the  great  principles  recognized  among  us  as  Baptists  of 
the  evangelical  stamp.  Still,  I  am  opposed  to  a  detailed  confes- 
sion entering  into  the  minutiae  of  systematic  divinity." 

Several  essays  on  this  subject  were  written  by  him,  and  pub- 
lished in  the  Religious  Herald. 

The  subject  of  psalmody  always  excited  interest  in  his  mind. 
Himself  an  excellent  singer,  with  a  voice  which  was  melody  itself, 
it  could  not  fail  to  be  seen  that  in  the  celebration  of  God's  wor- 
ship, in  the  social  circle,  or  in  the  great  congregation,  the  highest 
gratification  was  enjoyed.  His  cultivated  taste,  and  nice  discrimi- 
nation, well  qualified  him  for  the  preparation  of  suitable  books  to 
be  used  by  our  churches.  His  first  attempt  in  this  direction  was 
made  as  early  as  1790,  when  he  was  not  more  than  twenty  years 
of  age.  In  connection  with  Richard  Broaddns,  he  prepared  and 
published  a  collection  of  sacred  ballads,  most  of  which  seem  to 
have  been  in  popular  use  in  that  day.  These  make  a  volume  of 


248  ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

more  than  one  hundred  pages.  Very  few  of  this  little  hymn- 
book  are  now  in  existence.  About  the  year  1828  he  prepared  the 
Dover  Selection.  This  was  chiefly  designed  for  social  meetings. 
It  had  a  very  large  circulation,  and  met  a  cordial  approval  by  its 
peculiar  adaptation  to  the  necessities  of  the  churches.  He  after- 
wards published  the  Virginia  Selection,  intended  for  congrega- 
tional use  as  well  as  the  social  meeting.  In  the  preparation  of 
these  hymn-books,  especially  the  two  latter,  a  lasting  benefit  to 
our  Zion  was  conferred.  It  has  been  gratifying  to  knjw  that  the 
Yirginia  Selection  was  in  extensive  use,  not  only  in  this  State  but 
in  other  portions  of  the  Union.  Several  of  the  poetic  composi- 
tions in  this  book  were  from  his  own  pen.  He  occasionally 
indulged  in  pouring  forth  the  warm  affections  of  his  heart  in 
verse.  The  lines  written  upon  the  burning  of  the  Richmond 
Theatre  were  published  in  the  city  and  other  papers  at  the  time 
of  this  fearful  catastrophe,  and  found  a  response  in  the  hearts  of 
thousands.  Who  can  read  his  poetic  effusions  without  catching 
the  inspirations  which  warmed  and  animated  his  own  soul.  How 
touching  are  these  lines : — 

"  Soon  shall  my  dreary  journey  end, 

My  bosom  cease  to  sigh ; 
The  darksome  night  rolls  off  apace, 
The  rosy  dawn  is  nigh ; 
The  morning  star 
Shines  from  afar : 
Adieu  all  earthly  hopes  and  fears ; 
I  soon  shall  rise 
Above  the  skies, 
And  wipe  away  my  briny  tears." 

A  few  sermons  prepared  by  Mr.  Broaddus  have  been  published. 
He  was  not  accustomed  to  write  out  his  discourses,  although  in 
almost  every  instance  he  carefully  prepared  himself,  making  notes 
more  or  less  extended.  A  specimen  of  these  notes  is  found  in 
the  work  published  by  his  son,  entitled  "Sermons  and  Other 
Writings,"  etc.,  and  they  serve  to  show  the  accuracy  of  thought 
and  diction  which  characterizes  them. 

Mr.  Broaddus  was  a  frequent  contributor  to  the  columns  of  the 
Religious  Herald  He  took  part  in  almost  all  the  discussions  on 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  249 

church  polity  and  Christian  doctrine,  which  occurred  from  time  to 
time.  The  readers  of  that  periodical  will  not  soon  forget  his 
essays  on  Reformation,  and  on  other  themes.  These  fugitive 
pieces,  extending  through  many  years,  and  on  a  variety  of  subjects, 
had  no  little  to  do  in  moulding  the  views  and  sentiments  of  the 
Baptists  of  Virginia.  He  never  wrote  inconsiderately.  What 
he  prepared  for  the  press  was  capable  of  ready  apprehension, 
because,  being  clearly  perceived,  it  was  always  presented  in  lan- 
guage simple  and  clear. 

It  is  an  interesting  fact,  that  while  the  gentle  spirit  of  our  bro- 
ther shrunk  from  the  excitement  of  controversy,  he  was  not  willing 
to  permit  the  great  system  of  Christianity  to  be  assailed,  or  any 
one  of  its  vital  truths,  without  standing  forth  in  their  defence. 
Some  men  love  discussion  for  its  own  sake :  they  seem  most  to 
find  enjoyment  amid  the  strife  of  words.  But  not  so  with  Broad- 
dus :  he  was  a  man  of  peace.  He  loved  peace  for  the  sake  of 
peace,  and  for  the  sake  of  Him  who  is  called  the  Prince  of  peace. 
If,  therefore,  he  assumed  the  attitude  of  a  belligerent,  it  was  in 
view  of  some  threatened  interest  of  the  cause  of  Christ.  And 
when  he  was  brought  out  into  the  field  of  controversy,  he  quailed 
not,  but,  arming  himself  with  heavenly  panoply,  maintained  his 
ground.  One  of  the  principal  subjects  of  debate  in  which  he 
became  interested,  was  the  system  introduced  by  Mr.  Alexander 
Campbell.  For  this  theologian  he  had  entertained  feelings  of 
respect  and  regard.  His  earliest  acquaintance  in  Eastern  Vir- 
ginia secured  for  him  many  warm  friends  and  admirers.  These, 
with  Mr.  Broaddus,  had  been  prepared  to  recognize  him  as  an 
able  defender  of  the  practice  of  believers'  immersion,  and  as  emi- 
nently qualified  to  exercise  a  good  influence  in  the  cause  of  Christ. 
His  first  visit  to  the  lower  part  of  the  State  was  welcomed,  and  a 
cordial  invitation  to  occupy  their  pulpits  was  extended.  But  they 
soon  ascertained  that  in  various  particulars  his  views  of  the  Chris- 
tian system  were  radically  unscriptural,  and  that  the  tendency  of 
his  ministrations  was  to  unsettle  the  minds  of  the  disciples,  and  to 
introduce  disorder  and  schism  into  the  churches.  Hence  sprung 
up  many  painful  collisions.  As  the  peculiar  views  of  Mr.  Camp- 
bell were  more  and  more  developed,  the  controversy  increased, 


250  ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

engendering  in  many  instances  a  spirit  utterly  at  war  with  the 
gospel  of  Christ. 

In  this  controversy  Mr.  Broaddus  took  an  active  part,  in  the 
Religious  Herald,  the  Christian  Baptist,  and  the  Millennial  Har- 
binger. As  a  disputant,  he  was  always  fair  and  candid,  treating 
his  opponent  with  respect.  At  first,  his  courtesy  was  interpreted 
as  expressive  of  sympathy  with  Mr.  Campbell;  but  the  sequel 
showed  him  to  be  a  dignified  yet  firm  and  real  antagonist.  His 
essays  on  spiritual  influence  and  baptism,  in  which  he  exposes  the 
new  theory  as  at  war  with  the  New  Testament,  are  worthy  of 
careful  perusal.  We  introduce  a  passage  as  illustrative  of  his 
design  in  replying  to  Mr.  Campbell's  "Extra,  on  the  Remission 
of  Sins,"  etc.,  in  which  he  states  some  of  those  errors  which  he 
conceived  him  to  entertain : — 

"There  is  a  well-known  maxim,  which  with  great  propriety 
may  often  be  brought  to  bear  on  subjects  of  controversy :  '  Human 
nature  is  prone  to  extremes.'  While  some  consider  the  ordinance 
of  baptism  as  of  little  consequence, — telling  us,  in  their  wisdom, 
that  it  is  not  very  material  how  it  is  performed,  or,  indeed,  whether 
it  be  performed  or  not, — others  are  for  attaching  to  this  ordinance 
more  importance  than  appears  to  be  due  to  any  outward  or  bodily 
act ;  making  it  the  very  hinge  on  which  turns  our  actual  deliver- 
ance from  guilt  and  condemnation. 

"Among  the  latter  we  reckon  Mr.  A.  Campbell,  the  author  of 
the  '  Extra'  now  before  me, — a  production  which,  we  think,  will 
be  found  more  specious  than  solid,  and  (with  all  its  ingenuity) 
incapable  of  standing  the  test  of  candid  examination. 

"  While,  with  the  Scriptures,  and  with  the  whole  host  of  evan- 
gelical writers,  from  the  era  of  the  Reformation  to  the  present 
time,  I  would  assign  to  a  living  faith  the  office  of  justifying  the 
soul  (instrumentally)  before  God,  I  would,  at  the  same  time, 
ascribe  to  the  ordinance  of  baptism  (or  '  the  Christian  immersion') 
all  that  importance  which,  according  to  a  candid  and  consistent 
construction  of  the  Scriptures,  appears  to  be  its  due  ;  and  no 
other  construction  do  I  aim  to  exhibit. 

"The  great  error  which  lies  at  the  bottom  of  Mr.  Campbell's 
theory,  of  the  actual  forgiveness  of  sins  in  baptism,  appears  to 
consist  in  an  undervaluing  of  the  exercises  of  the  heart,  and 


ANDREW  BROADDUS.  251 

attaching  to  external  conduct  or  action  the  importance  which 
really  belongs  to  those  exercises.  To  the  attentive  reader  of  this 
'Extra,'  and  of  Mr.  Campbell's  writings  in  general,  it  must,  I 
think,  be  apparent,  that  the  exercises  of  the  heart  (on  which  the 
Scriptures  lay  so  much  stress,  as  the  very  'root  of  the  matter,') 
are  but  seldom  and  lightly  touched  on,  and  seem  to  be  brought  in 
merely  as  something  by  the  way.  For  my  part,  I  am  well  per- 
suaded, whatever  defects  may  exist  among  us  as  a  church,  that  the 
great  desideratum  in  reformation  is  a  more  thorough  renovation 
of  the  heart — less  of  the  spirit  of  this  world,  and  more  of  the 
temper  of  our  Divine  Master.  If  the  tree  were  thus  made  good, 
the  fruit  would  be  good.  If  we  were  renewed,  as  we  ought  to 
be,  in  the  spirit  of  our  minds,  a  correspondent  practice  would 
appear ;  and  then  should  we  be  more  ready  to  walk  in  obedience 
to  all  the  Divine  injunctions. 

"From  this  defect  in  Mr.  Campbell's  estimate  of  the  heart- 
exercises,  it  came  to  pass  that  he  so  heavily  censured  the  defini- 
tion of  conversion,  as  given  by  '  Christianos,'  viz.,  that  it  is  '  a 
turning  of  the  heart  to  holiness,  by  repentance  toward  God  and 
faith  toward  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,'  etc.  (See  M.  H.,  vol.  i.  pp. 
152-155.)  Hence,  too,  it  is,  that  he  considers  baptism  to  be  the 
proper  scriptural  conversion — regeneration — new  birth;  holding 
out  no  other  view  of  these  terms ;  and  hence  we  find  him  taking 
from  faith  the  province  of  justifying  the  soul,  and  ascribing  that 
privilege,  and,  indeed,  almost  every  other  appertaining  to  a 
believer,  to  the  outward,  bodily  act  of  baptism." 

Respecting  his  own  views  of  the  nature  of  true  conversion, 
and  the  place  assigned  in  the  Scriptures  to  baptism,  Mr.  Broad- 
dus  employs  the  following  language  : — 

"  Mr.  Campbell  maintains  (if  I  have  understood  him  correctly) 
that  Christian  immersion  is  really  and  literally  a  regenerating 
ordinance  ;  or  rather,  that  it  is  the  only  proper  scriptural  regene- 
ration or  divine  birth.  That  previous  to  baptism,  a  believer, 
whatever  change  he  may  have  experienced,  is  destitute  of  holi- 
ness, in  person,  acts,  and  feelings ;  that  he  is  unpardoned,  unjus- 
tified, unsanctified,  unreconciled,  unadopted,  and  lost  in  trespasses 
and  sins ;  being  out  of  Christ,  and  having  in  no  sense  put  Him 
on ;  and  that  only  by  baptism  can  his  state  be  changed. 


252  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

"Now  let  us  briefly  notice  the  fair,  legitimate  consequences  of 
this  view.  If,  before  immersion,  there  be  no  holy  'act  or  feeling,' 
then  the  act  of  faith  itself,  and  the  believer's  prayers,  and  his  desire 
to  be  baptized,  as  well  as  every  other  act  and  desire,  must  be 
unholy ;  for,  according  to  our  author's  own  showing,  those  who 
are  not  in  one  state,  are  in  the  other.  But  if  it  be  said,  these 
things  are  good,  though  properly  speaking  not  holy,  then,  I  ask, 
of  what  avail  can  this  be  in  case  the  believer  die  unbaptizud, 
seeing  the  Apostle  has  assured  us  that  '  without  holiness  no  man 
shall  see  the  Lord'  ?  Hence  it  follows,  that  if,  before  baptism,  a 
believer  be  in  the  state  above  described,  then,  though  'passed 
from  death  unto  life,'  yet,  dying  unbaptized,  he  cannot  be  admitted 
into  the  blessings  of  'the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord,'  nor  share  in 
the  glory  of  the  resurrection-state;  unless  those  can  be  thus 
favored  who  are  unregenerate,  unborn  of  God,  unholy,  unpar- 
doned,  unjustified,  unsanctified,  unreconciled,  unadopted,  and 
lost  in  trespasses  and  sins.  Our  author,  indeed,  attempts  to 
soften  the  matter,  by  reminding  us,  occasionally,  that  he  has 
reference  to  the  present  salvation.  These  blessings,  it  seems, 
belong  to  the  present  salvation.  Be  it  so;  but  surely,  not  so  ex- 
clusively as  to  have  no  connection  with  the  future  salvation.  If 
so,  then  I  must  own  here  is  to  me  a  new  thing  under  the  sun. 
That  a  believer  may  be  admitted  to  eternal  felicity,  though  he 
may  never  have  entered  the  visible  kingdom  of  Christ  on  earth,  is 
not  difficult  for  me  to  conceive.  But  how,  according  to  scriptural 
representation,  any  person  can  be  thus  favored,  who  lives  and  dies 
in  the  condition  above  mentioned,  exceeds  all  power  of  conception. 
And  what  then  is  necessary  to  eternal  felicity  ?  '  Good  works,'  it 
may  be  said.  Very  well ;  but  surely,  not  to  the  exclusion  of  all 
these  blessings — not  to  the  exclusion  of  holiness ;  for  '  without 
holiness  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord;'  and  holiness,  it  seems,  none 
can  have  without  immersion. 

"  We  have  thus  presented  a  condensed  statement  of  Mr.  Camp- 
bell's view,  and  have  seen  something  of  the  consequences  thence 
resulting.  Turn  we  now  to  the  other  side  of  the  question. 

"We  maintain  that  there  is  a  spiritual  regeneration — a  Divine 
birth — a  real  change  of  principles — effected  by  Divine  influence, 
through  the  instrumentality  of  the  word  of  truth  ;  the  subject  'being 


ANDREW   BllOADDUS.  253 

born  again,  of  incorruptible  seed  by  the  word  of  God,  which  liveth 
and  abideth  forever.'  That  by  Christ  all  who  believe  are  justified 
from  all  things ;'  and  that  'being  justified  by  faith,  we  have  peace 
with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'  That  holiness  of 
heart  is  generated  '  through  sanctification  of  the  spirit  and  belief 
of  the  truth.'  That  internally  we  'put  on  Christ' by  faith  as 
well  as  by  the  cultivation  of  every  gracious  temper  of  heart ;  and 
are  'in  Christ'  by  a  living  union,  as  the  branches  are  in  the 
vine  ;  while  externally  we  put  him  on  by  baptism,  and  a  confor- 
mity of  life  to  his  holy  example  and  injunctions ;  and  thus,  that  a 
person  is  really  Christ's  when  his  heart  is  yielded  up  to  him ; 
though  not  formally  recognized  as  his,  tjll  he  has  been  'baptized 
into  Christ.'" 

These  extracts  are  inserted  for  the  purpose  of  giving  to  the 
reader  some  idea  of  the  style  of  Mr.  Broaddus  as  a  polemic,  and 
as  expressive  of  his  views  on  a  great  cardinal  truth  of  the  New 
Testament.  He  shows  himself  to  entertain  sentiments  in  unison 
with  his  brethren,  who,  from  the  earliest  history  of  Yirginia  Bap- 
tists, had  been  proclaiming  Christ  and  his  salvation  to  the  people. 
He  proves  himself  also,  in  the  discussion,  to  be  in  harmony  with 
God's  word,  giving  to  baptism  its  proper  place,  and  making  the 
believer  a  new  creature,  and  pardoned,  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ; 
attributing  this  faith  also  to  the  operation  of  the  Divine  Spirit. 
What  faith  is,  and  the  place  it  occupies,  is  still  more  distinctly 
presented  in  the  following : — 

"  Mr.  Campbell  seems  to  think  that  his  view  of  the  forgiveness 
of  sins  by  baptism  presents  the  Divine  benevolence  and  conde- 
scension in  a  transcendent  light.  '  What  a  gracious  institution  !' 
he  exclaims ;  '  God  has  opened  a  fountain  for  sin,  for  moral  pol- 
lution. He  has  given  it  an  extension  far  and  wide  as  sin  has 
spread — far  and  wide  as  water  flows.  Wherever  water,  faith, 
and  the  name  of  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit  are,  there  will  be 
found  the  efficacy  of  the  blood  of  Jesus.' 

'"What  a  gracious  institution!'  Yes;  wonderfully  gracious. 
But  let  us  compare  the  GRACE  of  Mr.  Campbell's  view  with  what 
we  consider  to  be  the  true  scriptural  representation.  In  some 
cases  it  must  be  attended  with  extreme  inconvenience  and  expo- 
sure to  obtain  the  benefit  of  baptism,  immediately  on  the  exercise 

VOL.  ii.  22 


254  ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

of  faith.  But  this,  according  to  the  view  we  have  been  examin- 
ing, ought  to  be  done  through  all  difficulties.  In  other  cases  it 
is  not  only  almost,  but  altogether  impracticable.  And  in  this 
state  of  things,  the  person  dying  could  not,  consistently  with  his 
case  as  represented  in  the  'Extra,'  be  admitted  into  the  felicity  of 
the  blessed.  He  must  perish ;  for  he  is  without  holiness,  and 
without  holiness  none  can  see  the  Lord. 

"  Now,  on  the  other  hand,  in  presenting  faith  as  the  instru- 
ment of  justification — that  faith  which  involves  a  holy  trust  in 
Jesus  Christ,  we  present  an  instrument  which  is  within  the  grasp 
of  every  mind  rightly  exercised — an  act  not  impracticable  with 
any  heart  rightly  disposed  toward  God  and  the  Redeemer. 
Here,  no  physical  impossibilities  stand  in  the  way ;  no  physical 
obstructions  can  prevent  the  operation  of  this  wonder-working 
instrument.  Through  the  deepest  midnight  darkness,  the  eye  of 
faith  can  penetrate  to  the  radiant  throne  of  mercy ;  while  the 
body  is  immured  in  a  dungeon,  faith  can  go  forth  to  the  atoning 
fountain  ;  nor  can  the  manacles  of  iron  prevent  her  from  laying 
her  hand  on  the  altar  of  redeeming  love.  Surely,  'it  is  of  faith, 
that  it  might  be  by  grace  !'  And  here  we  leave  the  reader  to 
judge  which  of  these  two  views  appears  to  be  the  more  gracious. 

"But  what  is  that  faith  which  performs  these  wonders  ;  which 
is  necessary  to  salvation  ;  which  entitles  the  subject  to  the  privi- 
lege of  baptism,  and  renders  it  a  duty  incumbent  on  him,  as  an 
avowed  subject  of  the  King  of  Zion  ?  Something  has  been  said 
on  this  point  in  a  former  part  of  this  work  ;  but  the  importance 
of  the  matter  may  render  it  expedient  that  we  pay  to  it  some  fur- 
ther attention.  With  a  few  remarks  on  this  subject,  we  shall 
draw  to  a  close  ;  and  I  shall  trust  to  the  reader's  indulgence,  if, 
in  substance,  I  repeat  some  of  the  ideas  which  were  before 
advanced.  What,  then,  is  the  faith  of  which  we  speak  ?  Is  it 
merely  the  assent  of  the  mind,  upon  historic  testimony,  to  the 
fact  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  lived,  and  died,  and  rose  again,  and 
gave  evidence  that  he  was  the  Son  of  God  and  the  true  Messiah  ? 
No  ;  for  while  experience  testifies  that  we  have  really  assented  to 
all  this,  while  destitute  of  the  exercises  and  fruits  of  true  religion, 
the  Scripture  gives  evidence  that  persons  may  believe  on  Christ, 
who  have  not  that  genuine  faith  which  is  connected  with  salvation. 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  255 

John,  xii.  42,  43  :  '  Among  the  chief  rulers  many  believed  on 
him  ;  but  because  of  the  Pharisees  they  did  not  confess  him,  lest 
they  should  be  put  out  of  the  Synagogue ;  for  they  loved  the 
praise  of  men  more  than  the  praise  of  God.'  Again,  is  such  an 
assent  to  be  considered  genuine  saving  faith,  even  when  accompa- 
nied by  an  external  course  of  morality,  and  an  orderly,  religious 
deportment  ?  I  answer,  no  ;  unless  there  be  no  regard  due  to  the 
state  of  the  heart,  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  to  the  principles 
whence  cur  actions  flow. 

"  The  question  then  recurs,  in  what  consists  that  faith,  the  ob- 
ject of  our  inquiry  ?  We  shall  not  encumber  this  question  with 
the  lumber  of  the  schools,  nor  with  the  metaphysics  of  '  mystic 
doctors.'  Simply,  then,  I  would  say,  this  evangelic  faith  consists 
in  a  hearty  belief  of  the  gospel-method  of  salvation, — involving 
a  cordial  reception  of  Christ,  and  an  unreserved  dependence  on 
him,  as  the  appointed  Saviour.  (See  Romans,  x.  10;  John,  i.  12  ; 
2  Tim.,  i.  12.)  This  faith,  however,  is  accompanied  by  certain 
exercises  of  mind,  which,  in  the  nature  of  the  case,  are  necessary 
to  its  existence.  We  cannot  perceive  the  fitness  and  glory  of 
Christ's  character  as  the  Saviour,  without  a  conviction  of  our  own 
sinful  and  needy  condition.  We  cannot  cordially  receive  the  Sa- 
viour, without  repentance  and  abhorrence  of  sin ;  nor  shall  we 
ever  trust  in  him  until  we  renounce  all  vain  dependence.  Hence 
the  necessity  of  these  exercises  of  mind,  as  inculcated  in  the 
Scriptures — exercises,  I  may  add,  which  are  witnessed  by  the 
experience  of  every  vital  Christian. 

"  Such  is  the  faith  which  we  consider  requisite  to  acceptance 
with  God, — such  '  the  things  which  accompany  salvation. '  But 
as  to  the  manner  in  which  these  exercises  are  effected — whether 
rapidly  or  more  gradually ;  whether  by  impressions  of  a  more 
powerful  or  more  gentle  character ;  these  are  circumstances, 
which  we  think  do  not  affect  the  essence  of  the  matter.  Confi- 
dent we  are,  that  some  who  are  the  subjects  of  these  exercises, 
are  waiting,  through  a  mistaken  calculation,  for  some  marvelous 
display  of  power  which  they  have  never  experienced,  when  they 
ought  to  arise  and  obey  the  Saviour,  and  thus  find  their  strength 
increased.  And  confident  we  are,  that  too  many,  who  have  not 
this  faith  and  these  exercises,  though  they,  assent  to  the  facts  of 


256  ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

the  gospel,  and  feel,  in  some  measure,  the  awful  force  of  Divine 
truth,  are  presumptuously  delaying  the  concerns  of  their  salva- 
tion, while  they  endeavor  to  persuade  themselves  that  they  are 
waiting  for  Divine  influence." 

These  extracts  might  be  extended  to  a  volume,  but  the  limits 
of  this  sketch  will  not  allow. 

To  the  end  of  life  Mr.  Broaddus  continued  to  maintain  the 
position  he  had  assumed  toward  Mr.  Campbell.  He  was  never 
harsh,  always  seemed  willing  to  accord  whatever  of  excellence  in 
talent,  argument,  or  character  might  fairly  belong  to  him,  and  in 
discussion  treated  him  with  respect.  But  he  clearly  and  fearlessly 
exposed  what  he  deemed  to  be  fundamental  errors  in  the  avowed 
Reformation.  In  a  letter  to  an  old  friend  and  fellow-laborer,  who 
had  removed  from  Virginia,  and  who  was  personally  not  familiar 
with  the  controversy,  he  writes:  "In  the  mean  time,  there  is 
Campbellism,  so-called,  which  promises,  it  seems,  by  a  '  Restora- 
tion of  the  ancient  order  of  things,'  all  at  once,  or  speedily  at 
least,  to  bring  this  light  upon  us.  In  the  early  part  of  Mr.  C.'a 
career  I  felt  disposed  to  greet  his  labors,  and,  saving  his  asperity, 
to  bring  my  little  efforts  to  his  aid.  The  idea  of  Reformation,  as 
it  regarded  the  whole  Christian  world,  was  pleasing.  And,  be- 
lieving as  I  then  did,  and  still  do,  that  the  standard  of  Christian 
purity,  both  for  individuals  and  churches,  might  be  greatly  ele- 
vated, I  was  pleased  to  see  a  man,  conspicuous  for  his  talents  and 
learning,  engaging  earnestly  in  the  work.  But,  alas  !  Mr.  C.,  I 
thought,  soon  appeared  to  be  engaged  in  digging  up  some  of  the 
foundation-stones  of  the  spiritual  temple  ;  and  I  was  compelled  to 
stop,  and  remonstrate,  and  oppose.  To  his  view  of  baptism  as 
the  only  means  of  actual  pardon,  justification,  sanctification,  recon- 
ciliation, adoption,  and  salvation  from  the  guilt  and  power  of 
sin — and  to  his  view  of  Divine  influence,  as  consisting  merely  in 
the  moral  influence  of  the  Word,  I  could  not  consent.  I  wrote 
several  smaller  pieces,  and  at  last  published  a  pamphlet  of  fifty-six 
pages,  in  opposition  to  his  views.  Thus  we  stand.  In  several 
instances  among  us,  the  professed  advocates  of  Mr.  C.'s  views 
have  been  shut  out  from  fellowship." 

In  referring  to  the  productions  of  Mr.  Broaddus's  pen,  every 
one  familiar  with  them  will  naturally  regret  that  he  had  not 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  257 

written  more.  Distinguished  for  clearness  and  precision  of 
thought,  and  elegance  of  style,  had  he  devoted  a  larger  portion 
of  time  to  the  elaboration  of  his  views  on  theological  subjects,  a 
legacy  of  great  value  would  have  been  left  to  the  world.  He  was 
at  different  times  much  impressed  on  the  importance  of  giving 
more  attention  to  the  labors  of  the  pen.  But  his  other  ministerial 
duties  seemed  to  interpose  an  obstacle.  Writing  to  a  Christian 
brother,  he  says :  "  If  you  ask  what  employment  engrosses  my 
time,  I  answer,  very  little  of  worldly  business ;  but,  having  a 
considerable  field  to  occupy  in  my  ministerial  operations,  four 
places  to  attend,  I  am  stationary  but  a  very  little  time  together, 
or  at  one  season." 

This  leads  us  to  notice  his  general  views  of  scriptural  truth,  as 
accordant  with  those  held  by  the  great  body  of  Baptists  in  the 
United  States.  The  doctrine  of  Divine  sovereignty  was  dear  to 
his  heart.  He  says:  "The  Scriptures  represent  God  as  having  a 
determinate  design  in  his  goings  forth  in  a  way  of  grace — a  design 
which  shall  not  be  frustrated,  (Isaiah  Ixvi.  10.;  Ixvi.  13.;  and 
Iv.  10-11.)  The  character  of  the  converted  during  their  carnal 
state  frequently  shows  that  their  conversion  is  owing  to  sove- 
reign, distinguishing  grace,  not  to  any  natural  or  moral  excel- 
lence. The  gracious  state  of  Christians  is  ascribed  to  God's 
electing  love." 

While  he  thus  contemplated  the  Divine  predeterminations  as 
being  related  to  all  his  work  in  the  conversion  and  salvation  of 
his  people,  he  suffered  not  himself  to  yield  to  an  Antinomian 
abuse  of  this  sentiment.  He  regarded  all  men  as  responsible  to 
their  Maker,  and  as  justly  subject  to  the  curse  of  the  law,  of  which 
they  were  willful  violators.  It  was  his  pleasure  to  proclaim  a  full 
and  free  salvation  to  all  such.  He  saw  no  inconsistency  in  such  a 
course. 

In  referring  to  God's  decree,  he  says :  "  People  are  apt  to  go  to 
extremes  in  treating  this  subject.  Some  deny,  others  attempt  to 
fathom.  Here  is  an  allegory  :  I  was  traveling  to  a  goodly  country 
in  company  with  two  others — a  deep-diving  Fatalist,  and  a  hot- 
headed Arminian.  A  great  ocean  lay  in  the  way.  We  stood  on 
the  shore  awhile,  where,  as  we  were  told,  a  vessel  was  to  come 

VOL.  ir. — R  22* 


258  ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

and  receive  us.  I  recollected  the  Apostle's  exclamation, '  Oh  the 
depth!'  etc.  The  Fatalist  plunged  in,  determined,  if  possible,  to 
explore  the  bottom;  the  Arminian  turned  back  displeased.  I 
soon  saw  the  ship.  As  I  entered  on  board,  I  saw  the  Fatalist, 
after  plunging  and  beating  the  waves,  gain  the  shore.  The  cap- 
tain called  to  him,  'Learn  henceforward  to  be  more  modest  in 
matters  too  deep  for  your  investigation ;  and  tell  your  acquaint- 
ance, the  Armenian,  to  wonder  and  adore  where  he  cannot  com- 
prehend. Then  come  together,  and  wait  for  the  return  of  the 
vessel.'" 

In  accordance  with  the  above,  it  may  be  said  that  all  his  views 
of  spiritual  truth  were  symmetrical  and  well  proportioned.  He 
was  not  fitted  by  the  constitution  of  his  mind  to  be  an  extreme 
man.  Order  and  consistency  were  with  him  pleasant  to  contem- 
plate, and  thus  he  considered  every  doctrine  in  all  its  relations 
and  bearings.  Above  everything  else,  on  account  of  their  intrinsic 
importance,  he  loved  to  survey  the  dignity,  character,  and  work 
of  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  office  of  the  Divine  Spirit.  These  were 
the  great  themes  upon  which  he  was  accustomed  to  dwell  in  his 
meditations,  and  in  his  intercourse  with  others  in  and  out  of  the 
pulpit. 

It  is  pleasant  in  this  sketch  to  contemplate  Elder  Broaddus  as 
a  preacher  of  the  gospel.  In  some  respects  he  stood  alone.  That 
species  of  eloquence  which,  by  its  volume  and  force,  like  the 
mountain  torrent,  bears  all  before  it,  was  not  his.  In  this  many 
others  excelled  him.  But  in  clearness  of  conception,  beauty  of 
imagery,  aptness  of  illustration,  and  tenderness  of  soul,  he  was, 
in  all  combined,  pre-eminent.  With  a  well-proportioned  form, 
graceful  manner,  natural  gesticulation,  benignant  countenance, 
and  musical  voice,  he  held,  as  by  a  pleasing  spell,  his  enraptured 
hearers.  All  hung  upon  his  lips,  unwilling  to  lose  a  word,  while, 
with  softly  insinuating  power,  he  found  access  to  the  innermost 
depths  of  the  soul,  causing  all  its  fountains  of  emotion  to  gush 
out.  Severe  investigation,  labored  argument,  and  metaphysical 
abstractions,  he  seldom  attempted.  Not  that  he  was  deficient  in 
a  just  appreciation  of  his  subject.  He  seemed  incapable  of 
attempting  to  speak  without  some  clear,  definite  conception  of  his 
subject,  and  he  failed  not  to  make  it  transparent  to  others.  Un- 


ANDREW    BROADDUS.  259 

less  he  could  thus  possess  himself  of  the  thoughts  he  wished  to 
convey,  he  would  decline  their  utterance. 

In  the  exposition  of  the  Scriptures  his  chief  excellence  con- 
sisted, and  this  especially  in  the  elucidation  of  passages  suited  to 
edify  and  comfort  the  people  of  God.  He  was  no  Boanerges,  but 
truly  a  son  of  consolation.  The  writer  remembers  to  have  heard 
him  at  an  associational  meeting,  in  one  of  those  felicitous  moods, 
with  which  he  was  not  always  favored  on  extraordinary  occa- 
sions. His  text  was  found  in  the  Eighty-fourth  Psalm,  "Blessed 
is  the  man  whose  strength  is  in  thee ;  in  whose  heart  are  the  ways 
of  them,  who,  passing  through  the  valley  of  Baca,  make  it  a  well ; 
the  rain  also  filleth  the  pools ;  they  go  from  strength  to  strength, 
every  one  in  Zion  appeareth  before  God."  In  the  structure  of 
the  sermon,  from  the  beginning  to  the  close,  he  proved  himself  to 
be  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed.  His  exposition 
of  the  Psalm,  his  reference  to  the  allusions  of  the  writer,  his  treat- 
ment of  the  main  thought  conveyed  in  the  text,  with  its  applica- 
tion,— all  in  his  peculiar  style  and  manner,  made  an  impression, 
deep  and  abiding,  on  the  immense  throng  before  him. 

His  happiest  endeavors  in  the  pulpit  were  not  on  great  occa- 
sions. Such  was  the  delicacy  of  his  nervous  system,  and  such  his 
extreme  modesty,  that  he  instinctively  shrunk  from  the  observa- 
tion of  the  crowd.  On  these  accounts,  he  failed  in  many  instances 
to  attend  the  great  denominational  meetings  of  his  brethren,  in 
this  State  and  in  other  States.  And,  when  he  was  present,  his 
constitutional  timidity  seldom  allowed  him  to  take  part  in  debate, 
or  even  to  preach.  His  most  eloquent  discourses  were  delivered 
before  his  own  churches,  in  the  regular  ministration  of  the  Word. 
Even  on  these  occasions  the  presence  of  a  stranger  would  often 
interrupt  the  easy  flow  of  his  outgushing  thoughts,  and  interfere 
with  his  own  comfort.  It  is  said,  that  at  one  of  his  monthly 
meetings,  in  the  midst  of  an  eloquent  exhibition  of  truth,  the 
entrance  of  one  who  was  unknown  to  him  so  seriously  affected  his 
mind  as  to  render  it  necessary  soon  to  close  his  address.  At  a 
meeting  of  the  Dover  Association,  in  Matthews  County,  the 
author  of  this  sketch  was  his  alternate,  as  preacher  of  the  intro- 
ductory sermon.  Knowing  his  reluctance  to  preach  on  great 
occasions,  he  was  consulted  in  the  early  part  of  the  day,  and 


260  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

besought  not  to  decline.  He  promised  to  make  the  endeavor,  and 
the  mind  of  the  writer  was  relieved.  In  his  usual  happy  manner 
he  read  his  hymn  and  the  chapter  in  which  the  text  was  found ; 
after  prayer,  his  second  hymn  was  read  and  his  text  announced. 
A  breathless  silence  reigned  throughout  the  immense  assemblage. 
It  was  an  interesting  spectacle.  In  full  view  of  the  Chesapeake 
Bay  where  it  enters  the  ocean,  the  distant  roar  of  its  waves  being 
heard,  the  multitude  sat  in  the  open  air,  waiting  to  hear  the 
Word  of  Life  from  one  loved,  honored,  and  eloquent.  The  pre- 
liminary services,  all  performed  by  him,  had  been  conducted  in 
such  a  way  as  to  give  promise  of  a  rich  intellectual  and  spiritual 
feast.  But,  to  the  astonishment  and  disappointment  of  all,  he 
came  to  a  sudden  pause.  He  said,  "The  circumstances  of  the 
case — I  mean  my  case — make  it  necessary  to  excuse  myself  from 
proceeding  with  the  discussion."  The  thought  had  probably  seized 
him  that  the  expectations  of  the  people  could  not  be  met,  or  he 
had  recognized  in  the  congregation  some  one  whose  criticism  he 
dreaded,  or  the  wind  and  roar  of  the  ocean  had  disturbed  his 
nervous  system — whatever  it  was,  a  serious  surprise  and  regret 
were  felt  by  all. 

Toward  the  close  of  bis  ministerial  career  he  was  enabled  more 
to  overcome  this  painful  dread  of  a  crowd.  His  presence  at  an 
anniversary  season  was  always  hailed  with  pleasure  by  his  bre- 
thren. At  one  of  these  meetings,  by  special  request  of  the  writer, 
then  pastor  of  one  of  the  churches  in  Richmond,  his  name  was 
presented  to  the  committe  on  religious  services,  and  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  preach  on  Lord's  day.  The  announcement  had  been 
made.  An  hour  before  the  services  commenced  a  note  was 
received  from  him,  entreating  most  earnestly  that  he  might  be 
excused.  A  reply  was  immediately  returned,  that  it  would  be 
impossible  to  provide  a  substitute,  and,  besides,  the  responsibility 
devolving  on  him  as  a  father  in  the  gospel  was  most  serious — that 
he  would  soon  pass  away — and  that  every  proper  opportunity  of 
counseling  and  encouraging  his  younger  brethren  should  be  em- 
braced. Another  note  came,  affectionately  expressing  thanks  for 
the  suggestion,  with  a  promise  that  he  would  make  the  attempt. 
A  crowded  assemblage  had  gathered.  His  subject  was  the  beati- 
tudes. He  modestly  proposed  to  furnish  "  a  little  running  com- 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  261 

mentary."  It  was  a  finished  production.  It  need  not  be  said 
how  instructed  and  pleased  his  congregation  were,  while  he  him- 
self seemed  gratified  that  he  had  followed  the  suggestion  of  his 
younger  brother,  in  the  endeavor  to  resist  what  he  had  always 
regarded  as  an  infirmity. 

Adverting  to  his  talents  as  an  orator,  the  editor  of  the  Re- 
ligious Herald  employs  the  following  strong  language  :  "The  Vir- 
ginia Baptist  Churches  have  sent  forth  many  able  men  into  the 
ministry,  distinguished  by  their  zeal,  ability,  and  eloquence  in  their 
Master's  cause;  but,  among  them  all,  we  think  it  probable  that 
no  one  was  superior  to  Elder  Broaddus.  Indeed,  we  doubt  that 
he  had  an  equal  in  the  Baptist  denomination  in  the  United  States 
within  the  present  century." 

Shortly  after  his  death  a  tribute  to  his  memory  appeared  in  the 
Religious  Herald,  written  by  Elder  Robert  Ryland,  the  worthy 
President  of  Richmond  College.  It  does  honor  to  the  writer,  as 
well  as  the  subject  of  the  eulogy,  for  its  discrimination  and  faith- 
fulness. He  had  been  an  inmate  of  his  family  in  early  life,  and 
for  many  years  intimately  acquainted  with  him,  and  was  therefore 
qualified  to  portray  his  character.  That  portion  of  the  notice 
which  relates  to  his  oratorical  powers,  and  his  peculiarities  as  a 
preacher,  will  here  be  introduced  as  confirmatory  of  all  that  has 
been  said. 

"After  hearing  a  great  number  of  speakers,  both  on  sacred  and 
secular  subjects,  I  have  formed  the  conclusion  that  Mr.  Broad- 
dus, during  the  days  of  his  meridian  strength,  and  in  his  happiest 
efforts,  was  the  most  perfect  orator  that  I  have  ever  known.  For 
the  last  fifteen  years  of  his  life  there  had  been  a  manifest  decline 
in  his  intellectual  displays.  The  maturity  of  his  knowledge  and 
his  wise  discrimination  of  truth,  added  to  his  humble  piety,  always 
rendered  him  interesting.  But  the  vivacity,  the  pathos,  the  magic 
power  of  his  eloquence,  had  measurably  departed.  Hundreds  of 
persons  who  have  heard  him  discourse  within  this  period  have 
been  disappointed.  He  has  not  sustained  the  reputation  which 
he  had  previously  established.  Even  before  that  period  there 
was  another  and  a  still  more  fruitful  source  of  disappointment  to 
his  occasional  hearers.  When  strangers  listened  to  his  exhi- 
bitions of  the  gospel,  it  was  generally  on  some  extraordinary 


262  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

occasion — some  anniversary  that  called  together  a  large  concourse 
of  people.  Expectation  was  raised,  curiosity  was  excited,  and 
that  was  precisely  the  time  for  him  to  falter.  His  nervous  diffi- 
dence frequently  gained  so  complete  a  mastery  over  him  as  to  fill 
him  with  a  real  horror  of  preaching.  Often  on  such  occasions 
have  the  united  and  urgent  entreaties  of  his  most  cherished  friends 
failed  to  get  him  on  the  stand.  And  when  by  such  solicitations 
he  was  prevailed  on  to  preach,  often  had  his  timidity  so  far 
abridged  his  talents,  that  those  who  knew  him  well  would  not 
judge  him  by  that  effort,  and  those  who  did  not  know  him  formed 
an  erroneous  conception  of  his  mental  power.  When,  however, 
he  did  rise  superior  to  this  constitutional  infirmity,  and  shake  off 
all  the  trammels  of  despondency  and  fear,  those  who  hung  on  his 
lips  soon  felt  themselves  under  the  influence  of  a  master-spirit  who 
brought  them  into  a  voluntary,  because  delightful  captivity. 

"There  was  such  an  aptness  of  illustration,  such  a  delicacy  and 
correctness  of  taste,  such  a  flow  of  generous  sympathy,  and,  withal, 
so  much  transparent  simplicity  in  his  eloquence,  that  it  at  once 
riveted  the  attention  and  moved  the  heart.  His  discourses  were 
rich  in  instruction.  His  first  aim  evidently  was  to  be  understood 
by  the  feeblest  capacity.  Even  a  child  would  scarce  fail  to  com- 
prehend his  general  trains  of  thought.  If  he  was  ever  tedious,  it 
was  easy  to  perceive  that  it  proceeded  from  an  amiable  desire  to 
be  understood  by  all.  Possessed  of  a  sprightly  imagination,  he 
employed  it  to  elucidate  and  enforce  Divine  truth  rather  than  to 
excite  the  admiration  of  the  vulgar  in  intellect.  His  sermons  were 
not  moral  essays,  nor  were  they  stately  orations,  neither  were  they 
distinguished  by  artistic  structure  and  symmetry  of  parts ;  they 
were  chiefly  expository  of  the  sacred  writings.  He  always  pos- 
sessed unity  of  plan  to  indicate  the  purpose,  or  to  suggest  the 
title  of  a  discourse,  but  his  genius  hated  to  be  cramped  by  scho- 
lastic rules.  He  explained  his  text  in  a  most  able  manner,  and 
then  deduced  from  it  such  general  doctrines  as  would  naturally 
present  themselves  to  a  cultivated  mind.  Throughout  his  discourse, 
he  introduced  passages  of  Scripture  in  such  a  manner  as  to  throw 
new  light  upon  them,  while  they  were  made  to  contribute  to  his 
main  design.  It  were  to  be  wished  that  in  this  respect  he  had 
more  imitators.  Many  preachers  deliver  elegant  disquisitions,  or 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  263 

glowing  thoughts,  on  religious  subjects,  but  they  do  not  expound 
the  sacred  text. 

"Mr.  Broaddus  rarely  addressed  an  audience  without  causing 
them  to  have  a  clearer  insight  into  some  familiar  passage  than 
they  had  previously.  He  was  a  close  student  of  the  Bible,  and 
had  a  felicitous  talent  for  commenting  on  its  important  revela- 
tions. 

"The  writer  of  this  little  tribute  to  his  memory  will  ever  recall 
with  gratitude  the  several  portions  of  Scripture  on  which  light 
was  thus  shed.  The  illustration  was  so  striking  that  it  cannot  be 
erased,  so  simple  as  to  excite  surprise  that  it  had  not  occurred 
spontaneously,  and  so  characteristic  as  to  convey  an  inherent 
evidence  of  its  originality.  He  had  a  native  talent  for  painting  and 
poetry,  and  those  who  heard  him  could  easily  detect  it.  He  made 
them  see  things  so  vividly,  that  they  often  felt  as  if  they  were  not 
hearing  a  description,  but  beholding  the  very  objects  in  living 
colors  spread  out  before  the  eye  in  all  their  elusive  force. 

"Another  trait  in  his  oratory  was,  that  it  was  natural.  He  had 
nnquestionably  a  genius  for  every  work  that  demands  refined 
taste  for  its  execution,  but  he  cultivated  that  genius  by  varied  and 
long-continued  study,  and  thus  reached  the  highest  of  all  rhetori- 
cal attainments — the  art  of  concealing  art. 

"  He  seemed  to  divest  himself  of  the  formal  air  assumed  in  the 
pulpit,  discoursed  in  a  conversational  tone,  as  with  a  party  of 
select  friends,  awakened  the  attention  even  of  those  who  were  not 
especially  interested  in  the  subject,  and  made  them  feel  that  they 
were  personally  concerned.  He  looked  into  the  eyes  of  the  assem- 
bly with  such  an  individualizing,  yet  meek  penetration,  that  each 
hearer  fancied  himself  as  much  addressed  as  if  he  were  the  entire 
audience.  I  have  frequently  heard  from  half-a-dozen  persons, 
who  sat  in  different  parts  of  the  house,  the  remark,  at  the  close 
of  a  meeting,  'Mr.  Broaddus  preached  his  whole  sermon  to  me  !' 
And  this  insulating  effect  was  not  owing  so  much  to  the  substance 
as  to  the  manner  of  his  address.  He  was  not  a  close,  searching, 
severe,  exclusive  sort  of  preacher  as  to  his  doctrines.  His  ten- 
dency was  to  encourage,  to  soothe,  to  allure.  He  sought  out  the 
sincere  but  desponding  believer,  and  by  a  lucid  exhibition  of  the 
system  of  Divine  mercy,  and  a  nice  analysis  of  the  character  of 


264  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

the  true  Christian,  gave  him  a  basis  for  consolation.  But  it  was 
his  natural  manner  that  brought  him  into  immediate  contact  with 
his  hearers,  annihilating  all  formality.  He  was  stripped  of  the 
veil  of  an  artificial  delivery,  and  they  forgot  the  publicity  of  the 
occasion  by  reason  of  the  directness  of  the  appeal. 

"The  nearness  of  relation  that  he  sustained  to  his  auditory 
explains  in  part  his  bashfulness  in  early  ministerial  life.  In  the 
first  several  years  of  his  public  career  he  sat  in  his  chair  to  preach. 
Having  gathered  his  neighbors  around  him,  he  occupied  the 
evening  in  religious  exercises.  He  read  select  portions  of  Scrip- 
ture. He  expounded  them  in  a  familiar  style.  As  the  congre- 
gations increased,  and  his  confidence  became  more  firm,  he  began 
his  remarks  in  that  posture,  and  arose  to  his  feet  when  he  felt  the 
kindlings  of  his  theme. 

"  This  early  custom  probably  had  some  influence  on  his  talent 
for  exposition.  It  certainly  contributed  also  to  the  confirmation 
of  the  speaker  in  the  natural  manner.  It  must  not  be  inferred 
from  this  statement  that  his  style  was  coarse,  or  that  his  gestures 
were  inelegant,  or  that  his  general  appearance  was  devoid  of 
seriousness.  The  contrary  was  emphatically  true.  His  style  was 
always  chaste,  sometimes  rising  to  the  beautiful.  His  gesticula- 
tion was  appropriate,  easy,  and  impressive ;  never  violent,  over- 
wrought, or  pompons.  His  manner,  though  remote  from  sancti- 
moniousness, was  anything  but  flippant.  His  voice  had  nothing 
of  the  whine,  nothing  of  the  affecting  solemnity  of  tone  about  it, 
It  was  musical,  flexible,  and  capacious.  His  whole  carriage  in 
the  pulpit  was  mild  and  graceful,  without  his  seeming  to  aim  at  it 
or  to  be  conscious  of  the  fact.  In  a  word,  it  was  natural, — it  was 
such  as  good  sense,  unaffected  piety,  and  cultivated  taste  would 
spontaneously  produce. 

"Another  trait  of  his  oratory  was  his  skill  in  the  pathetic.  He 
knew  well  how  to  touch  the  delicate  chords  of  passion  in  the 
human  heart,  but  he  did  not  abuke  his  skill  by  constant  exercise. 
The  main  body  of  his  discourse  was  didactic.  He  gave  the  sense 
of  the  text,  developed  the  doctrine,  enforced  the  practical  duty. 
But,  occasionally,  he  unsealed  the  fountains  of  feeling  in  the  soul. 
Often  have  I  felt  the  thrill  of  his  eloquence,  and  witnessed  its 
melting  power  on  an  audience.  It  came  unexpectedly,  without 


ANDREW  BROADDUS.  265 

any  parade,  and  his  hearers  resigned  themselves  up  to  his  control. 
The  most  touching  parts  of  his  sermon  were  the  episodes.  He 
seemed  to  have  just  discovered  a  new  track  of  thought,  and  for  a 
moment  to  luxuriate  in  its  freshness  and  fertility.  His  hearers 
willingly  leftT  the  main  road  with  him,  and  sympathized  intensely 
in  all  his  emotions.  They  knew  that  he  had  a  right  to  their  hearts, 
and  would  not  abuse  his  privilege. 

"His  sermons  were  not  one  uniformly  sustained  appeal  to  the 
passions.  He  attacked  them  obliquely.  Having  first  convinced 
the  judgment,  he  found  a  ready  avenue  to  the  affections,  and  thus 
influenced  the  will.  Hence  it  was  often  the  case  that  a  single 
sentence  produced  a  subduing  effect.  All  that  was  said  before 
was  but  a  preparation  for  that  one  sentence.  A^moderate 
charge  of  gunpowder  will  more  effectually  cleave  a  rock,  if  by 
deep  boring  you  introduce  the  explosive  agent  far  into  its  bosom, 
than  ten  times  the  quantity  kindled  on  its  surface.  Mr.  Broaddus 
knew  exactly  when  to  touch  the  passions,  and  unless  he  perceived 
that  the  mind  was  prepared,  he  was  careful  not  to  attempt  the 
delicate  task.  When  he  did  attempt  it  he  rarely  failed." 

Notwithstanding  the  retiring  habits  of  Mr.  Broaddus,  it  was 
not  possible  that  with  his  distinguished  talents  he  should  remain 
unknown.  His  fame  extended  to  other  portions  of  the  country. 
An  established  character  for  biblical  knowledge  and  oratorical 
talent  was  secured,  and  when  opportunity  allowed,  all  were  ready 
to  do  him  honor.  In  consonance  with  this  general  feeling  of  re- 
spect, the  title  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was  conferred  by  the  trustees 
of  Columbian  College,  District  of  Columbia,  which  honor  was 
declined.  This  was  not  the  result  of  modesty  alone,  but  of  con- 
scientious scruples  as  to  the  propriety  of  such  distinctions  in  the 
ministry  of  the  gospel. 

As  a  companion,  no  man  could  be  more  genial.  He  loved  the 
society  of  the  good,  and  when  with  his  brethren,  in  the  domestic 
circle,  all  restraint  being  removed,  he  was  cheerful  and  happy. 
His  was  the  simplicity  of  a  child.  All  that  was  artificial  in 
character  he  dreaded.  With  fine  colloquial  powers,  and  ample 
stores  of  knowledge,  he  could  infuse  into  the  company  with  which 
he  mingled  a  warmth  and  glow  of  the  most  pleasurable  kind. 
Whatever  the  society  into  which  he  was  thrown,  the  same  artless- 

VOL.  ii.  23 


2G6  ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

ness  was  seen.  In  the  bosom  of  the  plainest  and  poorest  family, 
he  was  the  same  as  among  the  wealthiest  and  more  intelligent. 
However  humble  the  talents  of  his  brethren  in  the  ministry,  he 
never  seemed  to  knowlnore  than  they,  or  to  be  conscious  of  his 
superiority  as  a  public  speaker.  He  not  only  condescended  to 
men  of  low  estate,  but  no  one  would  judge  that  he  considered  it 
a  condescension.  His  younger  brethren  found  him  accessible  and 
communicative.  With  all  the  tenderness  of  a  father,  he  indicated 
concern  for  the  improvement  and  usefulness  of  the  rising  ministry 
around  him.  If  a  question  was  propounded,  and  this  was  not  in- 
frequent, he  was  always  ready  to  reply,  not  dogmatically,  or  with 
assuming  self-importance,  but  "with  meekness  of  wisdom." 
Sometimes  his  answers  were  thrown  into  an  interrogative,  or  sug- 
gestive form,  that  he  might  not  seem  to  be  arrogant  and  presum- 
ing. Let  a  passage  of  God's  word  be  started  as  a  topic  of  in- 
quiry or  conversation,  and  while  his  replies  were  modestly  given, 
you  could  see  at  once  that  it  had  been  a  subject  of  previous 
thought.  The  writer  has  been  permitted  to  sit  at  his  feet  as  a 
learner,  and  often  a  thrill  of  joyous  emotion  has  been  felt,  as  he 
opened  the  Scriptures  and  brought  to  light  its  priceless  hidden 
treasures. 

This  leads  to  a  notice  of  his  domestic  relations.  His  first  wife 
was  Miss  Fanny  Temple,  daughter  of  Colonel  John  Temple. 
His  marriage  occurred  about  the  year  1*793,  and  was  a  source  of 
happiness  to  him.  He  had  several  children  by  her,  some  of  whom 
still  live.  About  the  year  1804  this  wife  of  his  youth  was  buried. 
Subsequently,  he  married  Miss  Lucy  Honeyman,  a  daughter  of 
Dr.  Robert  Honeyman.  She  also  was  removed  by  death ;  and 
afterwards,  much  to  the  mortification  of  his  friends,  and  to  the 
discredit  of  religion,  he  married  her  sister,  Mrs.  Jane  C.  Broad- 
dus,  the  widow  of  his  nephew.  The  results  of  this  union  were  of 
the  most  painful  character.  For  some  time  he  was  suspended 
from  the  ministry,  and  reproach  and  dishonor  were  heaped  upon 
him  by  the  enemies  of  religion.  Although  this  act  had  been  un- 
advised by  his  friends,  he  solemnly  protested  his  innocence  of  any 
willful  wrong  in  the  case  at  the  time  of  its  occurrence.  After- 
wards, finding  it  necessary  to  separate  himself  from  his  wife,  he 
saw  and  felt  that  the  step  he  had  taken  was  wrong.  Respecting 


ANDREW  BROADDUS.  26T 

this,  in  a  letter  to  his  early  associate  and  ever-valued  friend  and 
brother,  Robert  B.  Semple,  he  says :  "  The  attachment  which 
has  eventually  proved  the  occasion  of  this  deep  affliction,  was  not, 
I  am  persuaded,  a  sanctified  one.  The  honor  of  my  injured  Mas- 
ter, and  my  own  spiritual  prosperity,  were  jeopardized  by  the  in- 
dulgence of  natural  inclination ;  and  I  might,  but  for  a  partial 
blindness,  have  so  calculated.  It  is  unnecessary  to  attempt 
tracing  my  wanderings  and  defects;  I  thought  that  I  had  seen, 
deplored,  and  confessed  all  of  them.  But  God  has  seen  proper 
to  add  poignancy  to  these  exercises,  and  thus  to  make  me  see  the 
folly  of  all  human  calculations  where  his  glory  is  not  the  ruling 
object.  If  ever  Divine  Providence  opens  the  way,  I  feel  an  incli- 
nation to  make  myself  a  beacon,  to  warn  others  against  the 
danger  of  risking  their  spiritual  interests,  and  the  honor  of 
Christ." 

Mr.  Jeter,  in  his  excellent  memoir,  has  truthfully  said  :  "  The 
excitement  in  the  community  at  large  against  Mr.  Broaddus,  on 
this  occasion,  exceeded  all  reasonable  limits.  Nothing  can  be 
more  irregular,  capricious,  and  blind,  than  excited  public  indigna- 
tion. The  public  had  witnessed  numberless  crimes  of  appalling 
magnitude — dishonesties,  cruelties,  impurities,  and  impieties — com- 
mitted by  men  of  all  classes,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest, 
with  indifference,  or  faint  murmurs  of  disapprobation ;  but  when 
Mr.  Broaddus  married  the  sister  of  his  deceased  wife — an  act,  as 
to  the  morality  of  which  the  most  sharp-sighted  and  pure-minded 
casuists  are  not  agreed — an  act,  which  if  an  offence  at  all,  was 
certainly  a  venial  offence — this  same  public  awoke  as  from  the 
slumber  of  intoxication,  and,  as  if  to  atone  for  ten  thousand  sins, 
proclaimed  that  the  foundations  of  morality  were  about  to  be  re- 
moved, and  poured  the  vials  of  its  wrath  upon  the  head  of  the 
offender.  He  was  unsuccessfully  indicted  under  an  obsolete  law. 
The  aid  of  the  legislature  was  invoked,  and  that  body,  zealous 
for  the  conservation  of  public  morals,  revised  the  law ;  and  that 
nothing  might  be  wanted  for  tne  punishment  of  so  great  a  crimi- 
nal, gave  it  ex  post  facto  authority.  But,  right  or  wrong,  Mr. 
Broaddus  was  not  to  be  easily  punished.  He  evaded  the  penalty 
of  the  law  on  the  plea  of  its  unconstitutionally." 

The  writer  is  cognizant  of  the  fact  that  some  of  the  principal 


268  ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

assailants  of  Mr.  Broaddus,  on  account  of  the  above-named  affair, 
wore  either  deadly  foes  to  Christianity  or  under  strong  sectarian 
influences.  A  few  of  his  brethren,  however,  clung  to  him.  Even 
though  they  regarded  him  as  indiscreet,  they  never  doubted  his 
piety.  In  process  of  time,  he  fully  regained  his  standing,  both  in 
the  charch  and  the  world.  The  meekness  with  which  he  bore 
the  unjust  reproaches  of  his  enemies,  and  the  chastened,  humble 
spirit  evinced  toward  his  brethren,  as  well  as  his  uniform  pro- 
priety of  demeanor,  all  served  to  bring  him  into  the  warmest 
affections  of  God's  people,  and  to  command  the  respect  of  an 
ungodly  world. 

For  more  than  twenty  years  he  remained  separated  from  his 
wife,  though  not  divorced.  Her  death  relieved  him  from  all 
obligations,  and  in  1843  he  entered  again  the  marriage  relation, 
with  Miss  Caroline  M.  Boulware,  of  King  and  Queen  County. 
She  was  a  most  estimable  lady,  well  qualified  by  intelligence  and 
piety  to  aid  and  sustain  him  in  the  trials  and  toils  of  the  ministry. 

By  his  third  wife  he  had  several  children,  one  of  whom  became 
related  in  marriage  to  the  Rev.  Howard  W.  Montague,  of  Essex 
County.  The  other,  Rev.  A.  Broaddus,  is  filling  his  place  as  a 
proclaimer  of  the  gospel,  and  as  pastor  of  the  churches  left 
vacant  by  his  death.  By  his  last  marriage  he  had  one  son,  now 
an  interesting  youth.  Ardently  do  we  wish  that  he  may  become 
what  his  devoted  parents,  now  "  passed  into  the  skies,"  most  of 
all  desired,  a  burning  and  shining  light  in  his  generation. 

It  is  proper  to  refer  to  his  character,  as  a  man  and  a  Christian. 
Gentle  in  disposition,  amiable  and  unaffected  in  manner,  truthful 
and  faithful  in  the  relations  of  life,  he  sustained  as  a  man  a  high 
place  in  the  regards  of  those  who  knew  him.  None  questioned 
his  piety  as  a  professed  follower  of  Christ.  At  an  early  period 
of  his  Christian  life,  he  prepared  the  following,  which  he  calls 
"admonitions  and  hints  for  myself:" — 

"1.  Endeavor  to  be  spiritually-minded;  this  will  naturally 
spiritualize  your  conversation  and  conduct,  and  so  will  be  calcu- 
lated to  spread  the  savor  of  Divine  grace. 

"  2.  Labor  after  a  golden  medium  between  the  extremes  of 
levity  and  sourness,  of  carnality  and  gloominess.  Too  much 
mirth  will  disqualify  the  mind  for  the  exercises  of  religion,  and 


ANDREW  BROADDUS.  2G9 

give  loose  to  the  reins  of  levity  in  others ;  and  too  much  austerity 
will  render  the  aspect  of  religion  unpleasant.  Maintain,  there- 
fore, a  cheerful  gravity  and  a  grave  cheerfulness. 

"  3.  Be  not  averse  to  join  for  a  season  in  innocent  conversa- 
tion, though  it  be  not  on  the  subject  of  religion ;  but  beware  you 
run  not  to  an  extreme.  Be  not  fond  of  a  jest,  and  refrain  from 
saying  what  you  are  afraid  you  will  repent  of. 

"  4.  At  proper  seasons,  drop  a  word  for  God ;  make  observa- 
tions of  a  religious  kind. 

"These  observations  must  be  learned  by  watchfulness,  diligence, 
and  fervent  supplications  to  the  throne  of  grace." 

His  own  history  showed  how  constantly  he  sought  to  carry 
these  thoughts  into  practice.  He  was  a  conscientiously  good 
man. 

The  influence  of  Mr.  Broaddus,  in  Virginia,  but  especially  in 
the  immediate  sphere  of  his  labors,  was  conservative  and  happy. 
It  was  not  of  the  commanding,  controlling  order.  It  differed 
much  from  that  of  Semple  and  Clopton.  It  was  the  influence  of 
love — like  the  gentle  shower  on  the  new-mown  grass.  His  cha- 
racter seems  to  have  been  cast  in  a  mould,  resembling  John,  the 
beloved  disciple.  The  strongest  feeling  of  affection  was  enter- 
tained for  him  by  all  his  brethren,  particularly  the  churches  of  his 
charge.  God,  too,  made  him  useful.  Elucidating  this  remark, 
and  the  estimate  in  which  he  was  held  by  the  churches  of  that 
energetic  and  flourishing  body,  the  Kappahannock  Association, 
we  subjoin  a  reference  to  him  from  the  "Sketches, "etc.,  compiled 
by  the  talented  and  beloved  McGill.  It  was  written  a  few  years 
before  his  death : — 

"The  future  historian  of  the  Baptists  in  Eastern  Virginia 
must  afford  a  large  space  to  the  labors  and  services  of  oar  vene- 
rable brother,  as  the  contemporary,  companion,  and  intimate  asso- 
ciate of  Robert  B.  Semple.  These  two  names  will  be  found  con- 
nected with  almost  every  important  measure  adopted  by  the  deno- 
mination, from  the  period  of  their  enlistment  in  the  cause,  down 
to  their  separation  by  the  death  of  Semple,  in  1831.  Since  that 
date  the  subject  of  this  sketch  has  been  pre-eminently  the  object 
of  the  affectionate  veneration  and  respect  of  all  the  churches 
within  our  limits.  As  we  are  yet  blessed  with  his  presence  and 

23* 


270  ,    ANDREW  BROADDUS. 

influence,  we  cannot  trust  ourselves  to  speak  of  his  character  and 
abilities,  or  of  his  general  labors,  but  must  confine  ourselves  to 
his  services  in  the  Dover  and  Rappahannock  Associations. 

"His  first  sermon  was  preached  on  the  24th  day  of  December, 
1789,  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Lowrie,  in  Caroline  County,  on  the 
same  day  and  at  the  same  place  at  which  Elder  Semple  preached 
his  first  discourse.  Having  changed  his  residence  to  the  upper 
part  of  Caroline,  out  of  the  limits  of  the  Dover  Association,  of 
which  he  had  previously  been  a  member,  Elder  Broaddns  did  not 
again  occupy  a  place  as  a  delegate  to  that  body  until  after  his 
election  to  the  pastoral  care  of  Salem  Church,  in  1820;  he  was, 
however,  a  very  frequent  attendant  upon  its  sessions,  as  a  visitor. 
The  earliest  copy  of  the  minutes  of  the  Dover  Association  which 
can  now  be  obtained,  is  that  of  1797.  By  it  we  find  Elder 
Broaddus  invited  to  a  seat,  as  a  visitor,  and  appointed  to  preach 
on  Sunday — an  appointment  which,  at  that  period,  was  always 
made  with  a  view  to  put  in  requisition  the  very  best  talents  of 
the  body.  This  appointment  was  repeated  whenever  he  was  pre- 
sent, viz.,  in  1800,  1803,  1805,  1808,  1810,  1812,  1813,  and 
1819. 

"In  1820  he  appeared  as  a  delegate  from  Salem  Church,  and 
preached  the  annual  sermon  before  the  Association.  In  1821  he 
was  absent,  but  furnished  the  able  and  interesting  essay  on 
'  Christian  Conversation,'  which  is  printed  as  the  circular  letter 
for  the  year.  From  that  time  to  the  division  of  the  Association, 
in  1843,  he  was  absent  but  once,  viz.,  in  1830,  and  drafts  were 
constantly  made  on  his  talents  as  a  preacher  and  writer.  In 
1822,  1824, 1831,  and  1835,  he  preached  the  annual  sermon.  In 
1822  he  was  appointed  on  a  committee  to  prepare  and  furnish  to 
the  churches  a  'Form  of  Discipline,'  a  few  copies  of  which,  as 
afterwards  adopted  by  the  Association,  are  yet  to  be  found.  In 
the  same  year,  he  was  required  to  remodel  and  prepare  for  the 
press  the  circular  letter  on  '  Drunkenness,'  which  had  been  written 
by  Dr.  Somerville,  and  which,  in  its  original  form,  had,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Association,  'too  much  of  a  medical  aspect.' 

"In  1825  he  wrote  the  valuable  circular  letter  on 'the  pro- 
priety of  a  strict  attention  to  veracity  in  general ;  and  particu- 
larly to  punctuality  in  the  payment  of  debts.'  In  1827  he  was 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  271 

appointed  chairman  of  a  committee  'to  select  and  publish  such 
hymn-books  as  they  may  think  useful,  (if  to  them  it  should  be 
thought  expedient,)  and  report  to  the  next  Association.'  The 
'  Dover  Selection'  was  the  result  of  this  appointment,  a  work 
which,  with  many  alterations  and  additions,  made  under  the  edi- 
torial supervision  of  Elder  Broaddus,  is  still  in  most  general  use 
in  our  churches,  under  the  name  of  '  The  Virginia  Selection.' 
Its  pages  are  enriched  with  several  beautiful  hymns  from  the  edi- 
tor's own  pen. 

"  In  1826  he  was  elected  Assistant  Moderator,  an  election  which 
was  repeated  every  year,  except  1829  and  1830,  until  1832,  when 
he  was  unanimously  chosen  Moderator,  to  supply  the  place  which 
had  been  vacated  by  the  death  of  the  lamented  Semple.  To  this 
station  he  was  re-elected  annually,  (except  1839,  when  he  was 
absent,)  until  1841,  when,  at  his  own  earnest  solicitation,  he  was 
excused  from  the  labors  of  the  chair,  and  another  chosen  in  his 
place.  In  1832,  by  a  vote  of  the  body,  he  was  requested  'to 
compile  from  the  Minutes  and  other  documents,  a  concise  history 
of  this  Association,  together  with  the  leading  incidents  connected 
with  the  life  and  death  of  our  venerated  and  lamented  brother, 
llobert  B.  Semple.'  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  Elder  Broaddus 
reported  at  the  'next  session  that  he  had  not '  succeeded  in  obtain- 
ing such  materials  as  would  render  the  proposed  work  useful  or 
interesting.'  The  appointment  and  request  were  renewed,  and 
Elder  Broaddus,  '  although  unwilling  to  pledge  himself,  was  will- 
ing still  to  endeavor  to  fulfill  the  wishes  of  the  Association.' 

"At  this  session  (1833)  a  resolution  was  adopted  in  the  follow- 
ing words :  '  That  this  Association,  convinced  of  his  abilities, 
unanimously  and  affectionately  request  our  respected  Moderator, 
A.  Broaddus,  to  devote  as  much  of  his  declining  years  to  writing 
for  publication  as  circumstances  will  permit.'  In  1838  the  age 
and  infirm  health  of  Elder  Broaddus  rendered  it  more  than  pro- 
bable that  he  would  be  with  us  no  more.  Under  this  impression, 
he  prepared  and  read  to  the  Association  a  valedictory  address. 
The  writer  well  recollects  the  deeply  interesting  character  of  this 
address,  and  the  solemn  emotions  caused  in  the  Association  by  its 
delivery. 

"  The  circular  letter  of  this  year  was  from  the  same  pen,  and 


212  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

was  also  republishcd  in  the  Herald  of  the  2d  of  November, 
1838.  Its  theme  was,  'What  may  be  considered  as  constituting 
a  scriptural  call  to  the  gospel  ministry,  and  what  are  the  proper 
means  for  seeking  out  and  bringing  into  exercise  such  gifts  among 
our  members  as  may  appear  to  promise  usefulness  in  that  office  ?' 
These  interesting  questions  were  discussed  in  a  manner  commen- 
surate with  their  important  character.  In  1839  Elder  Broaddus 
was  absent,  but  having  been  appointed  to  write  the  circular  letter, 
with  liberty  to  select  the  subject,  he  furnished  the  letter  which  is 
appended  to  the  Minutes,  on  '  Singing  the  praises  of  the  Most 
High ;'  a  subject  peculiarly  appropriate  for  one  who  had  himself 
attained  the  reputation  of  a  'sweet  singer  in  Israel.'  On  his  de- 
clining a  re-election  as  Moderator,  in  1841,  the  Association 
resolved,  '  That  Elder  Andrew  Broaddus  be  henceforth  regarded 
as  a  privileged  member  of  this  body.'  Since  the  organization  of 
the  Rappahannock  Association,  Elder  Broaddus  has  appeared  at 
three  of  its  meetings,  and  borne  an  active  part  in  the  proceed- 
ings. He  furnished,  in  1845,  the  report  on  'Foreign  Missions,' 
and  in  1846  an  important  circular  to  the  churches,  on  '  Ordination 
to  the  ministry.'  These  later  productions  serve  to  show  that  the 
lamp  which  was  first  lighted  in  1789  is  still  burning  brightly  in 
our  midst.  Long  may  its  rays  be  visible  to  guide  us  in  the  path 
of  Christian  duty !" 

The  valedictory  to  which  allusion  is  made  in  the  above  sketch, 
was  of  the  most  touching  character.  In  soft,  melting  tones,  he 
spoke  as  one  standing  on  the  confines  of  the  spirit-world,  and  look- 
ing back  to  encourage  his  brethren  amid  the  conflicts  and  trials 
of  life.  The  dense  throng  of  delegates  and  spectators,  filling  up 
the  house  to  its  utmost  capacity,  seemed,  if  not  awe-struck,  sub- 
dued and  overcome  with  swelling  emotion.  Its  reference  to  him- 
self, not  usual  in  his  addresses,  rendered  it  the  more  affecting. 
Furnishing,  as  it  does,  a  survey  of  the  past  of  his  history,  the 
reader  will  not  deem  its  insertion,  in  part,  inappropriate. 

"  Let  me  hope,  dear  brethren,  that  my  advanced  age,  the  length 
of  time  in  which  I  have  been  engaged,  though  poorly,  in  the  pub- 
lic service  of  our  common  Master,  and  the  station  which  you  have 
repeatedly  called  me  to  fill,  at  these  our  annual  meetings, — let  me 
hope  that  these  considerations  will  form  a  sufficient  apology  for 


ANDREW  BROADDUS.  2T3 

the  liberty  I  thus  take,  and  will  exempt  me  from  all  charge  of  ar- 
rogance or  of  vanity,  for  thus  calling  your  attention  before  we 
shake  hands  and  bid  adieu. 

"  If  it  should  be  asked,  why  this  valedictory  address  on  this 
occasion,  rather  than  on  any  former  one  of  a  similar  nature,  I 
would  answer,  because  now  far  advanced  in  life,  I  am  admonished, 
without  laying  claim  to  a  prophetic  spirit,  that  the  end  of  my 
journey  is  probably  not  far  distant,  and  I  feel  a  desire,  before  the 
closing  scene  of  life,  to  say  something  to  you  in  this  way.  I 
ought  to  reflect  that  there  is  some  probability  I  may  never  meet 
with  you  in  an  association  again.  At  any  rate,  it  is  highly  pro- 
bable that  we  all  shall  never  meet  again  in  our  present  state  of 
existence.  This  solemn  thought  I  wish  to  have  deeply  impressed 
on  my  own  mind,  and  wish  it  to  be  deeply  impressed  on  yours. 

"Allow  me,  brethren,  on  this  occasion,  just  to  take  a  glance  at 
my  own  course.  For  bringing  to  your  notice,  however,  even  for 
a  few  minutes,  such  an  object  as  myself,  I  owe  you  an  apology ; 
let  this  suffice.  Old  age  is  disposed  to  egotism ;  but  it  is  not,  as 
you  will  see,  with  any  the  least  view  to  self-applause,  that  I  take 
this  glance  at  my  own  history.  Oh  that  it  were  worthy  of  being 
presented  to  you  by  way  of  example  !  But  where  example  fails, 
let  admonition  supply  its  place. 

"I  am  now  near  the  termination  of  my  sixty-eighth  year.  Pull 
forty-nine  years  of  my  life  have  elapsed  since  I  made  a  public  pro- 
fession of  religion,  by  putting  on  Christ  in  baptism,  and  forty- 
eight  years  since  I  ventured  to  come  forward  in  a  public  manner, 
a  feeble  advocate  of  the  cause  of  our  Divine  Master.  In  the 
course  of  my  pilgrimage  I  have  passed,  as  you  may  suppose, 
through  different  sorts  of  weather,  (allow  this  figure,)  and  over 
grounds  of  varied  service.  A  checkered  scene  of  shade  and  sun- 
shine, of  storm  and  fair  weather,  from  the  skies  above,  and  under 
foot  a  diversified  track  of  hills  and  valleys,  rocks  and  mountains, 
with  here  and  there  a  level  plain,  and  a  pleasant  path.  This 
state  of  things  we  may  consider  as  in  some  good  degree  the  com- 
mon lot  of  all  the  Church  in  her  present  militant  state.  Yet  I 
am  compelled  to  say,  to  me  it  appears  that  some  of  our  heaviest 
trials  grow  out  of  our  own  grievous  failings.  Afflictions,  I  am 
aware,  are  often  sent  in  mercy ;  and  the  chastisements  of  God's 

VOL.  II. — S 


274  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

people  proceed  from  the  hand  of  a  Father ;  but  how  many  a  con- 
flict, how  many  a  painful  exercise  of  mind,  might  have  been 
avoided,  by  a  course  of  steady,  unwavering  devotion  to  God  in 
heart  and  life.  Let  this  be  for  an  admonition. 

"  In  the  course  of  my  profession,  I  have  witnessed  repeated 
revivals  of  religion ;  and  again,  I  have  had  to  mourn  the  languid 
state  of  Zion ;  have  sometimes  enjoyed  a  heavenly  satisfaction  in 
proclaiming  the  message  of  eternal  life,  and  speaking  the  rich 
treasures  of  Divine  truth ;  and  often,  alas  !  have  I  groaned  under 
a  consciousness  of  the  weakness  of  my  nature  and  the  poverty 
of  my  efforts.  Sometimes  I  have  experienced,  as  I  trust,  exer- 
cises of  unearthly  enjoyment ;  and  have  often  been  '  in  heaviness 
through  manifold  temptations.'  But,  brethren,  let  me  here  testify 
that  amid  all  the  conflicts  and  trials  which  I  have  encountered 
and  endured,  I  have  never  repented  of  having  become  a  servant 
of  God — a  follower  of  Christ.  In  this  respect  I  have  no  regrets 
but  such  as  arise  from  my  own  failings  in  faith,  and  love,  and  holy 
duties.  Repented  of  this  ?  No  !  and  were  my  trials  and  con- 
flicts as  a  Christian  much  greater  than  they  are,  far  from  recant- 
ing, I  humbly  hope  I  would  still  hold  on,  and  say,  with  Job  of 
old,  '  Though  He  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  Him. ' 

"As  respecting  the  ministry,  such  have  been  the  difficulties 
through  which  I  have  had  to  pass,  particularly  on  account  of  my 
constitutional  weakness  of  nerve  and  of  spirit,  that  apart  from  a 
sense  of  duty,  I  believe  I  should  be  disposed,  and  should  decide, 
to  relinquish  its  responsibilities  and  its  labors.  But  in  this  respect, 
a  deeper  devotion  to  God  and  his  cause  would,  I  am  persuaded, 
have  greatly  conduced  to  my  relief;  and  even  in  this  respect  I 
am  willing,  yea,  desirous  to  be  at  my  Master's  disposal.  Oh, 
brethren,  that  you  and  I  may  be  ready,  whenever  He  calls,  to 
answer  with  faithful  Abraham,  'Here  am  I !' 

"  It  is  time  to  turn  my  view  from  myself  to  others. 

"  In  looking  around  on  this  assembled  body,  I  see  none  of  those 
who  belonged  to  the  old  generation,  when  I,  then  a  youth,  first 
united  with  the  fraternal  band.  A  remnant  even  of  that  genera- 
tion, I  could  not  expect  to  see.  Ford,  "Webber,  Courtney,  Luns- 
ford,  Toler,  Noel,  Lewis,  Greenwood,  with  several  others  that 
might  be  named,  have  long  since  finished  their  course,  and  are 


ANDREW   EHOADDUS.  215 

gone  to  'rest  from  their  labors.'  Your  fathers,  where  are  they  ? 
and  the  prophets,  do  they  live  forever  ?  But  ray  coevals,  too, 
how  few  do  I  see  !  Where  is  Straughan  ;  and  where  is  Semple, 
that  brother  of  my  soul ;  and  Claybrook,  and  Rice — where  are 
they  ?  Alas  !  these  also  have  left  us  for  a  brighter  and  a  better 
world.  And  what  a  list  might  be  drawn  out,  of  brethren  in  the 
more  private  walks  of  the  church, — brethren  with  whom  I  once 
associated,  and  who  vacated  their  seats,  no  more  to  assemble  with 
us  in  our  tabernacles  below !  Reflections  of  this  sort  are  calcu- 
lated to  throw  a  melancholy  shade  over  our  minds,  and  to  sadden 
the  feelings  of  our  hearts.  But,  blessed  be  God !  a  cheering 
light  breaks  through  this  gloom,  even  here  in  our  earthly  abode, 
and  just  beyond  we  catch  the  glimpse  of  a  more  glorious  dawn. 
The  seats  here  left  vacant  by  our  departed  brethren  have  been 
more  than  filled  by  a  new  generation  of  Christians,  and  we  look 
forward  to  the  day  when  we  shall  reassemble  with  our  brethren 
who  have  died  in  the  Lord,  on  Z ion's  heavenly  hill,  bright  with 
the  splendors  of  a  cloudless  day. 

"And,  brethren  in  the  ministry,  with  the  approbation  of  our 
Master,  (oh  that  we  may  win  his  approving  smile !)  and  with 
this  prospect  before  us,  shall  we  not  be  willing  to  forego  what 
the  world  calls  honorable,  and  yield  its  riches  to  those  'who 
basely  pant'  for  worldly  wealth,  content  to  wait  for  our  reward 
at  the  coming  day  ?  The  estimate  formed  by  the  world  is  a  false 
estimate.  Who  are  the  celebrated  ones  of  the  earth  ?  The 
sages,  who  present  us  with  the  rushlight  of  human  wisdom  ;  not 
the  men  who  'hold  forth  the  word  of  life.'  The  heroes,  who  con- 
quer nations ;  not  those  who  overcome  the  powers  of  darkness. 
The  patriots  and  statesmen,  who  can  only  establish  wise  laws  and 
measures  for  a  transitory  life  ;  not  the  messengers  of  salvation, 
who  labor  to  prepare  us  for  eternal  felicity.  And  is  it  strange 
that  thus  it  should  be  so  ?  The  world  knew  not  to  estimate  the 
love  and  labors  of  the  Son  of  God.  '  Therefore  the  world  knoweth 
us  not,  because  it  knew  him  not,'  But,  brethren,  it  is  better  for 
us  it  should  be  so,  for  thus  we  escape  the  assault  of  temptations, 
which  might  prove  too  strong  for  our  strength.  Let  the  world, 
then,  form  its  own  estimate,  and  let  us  patiently  endure,  and  let 
us  wait  our  reward.  And  we  can  endure,  we  can  wait,  if  faith 


276  ANDREW   BROADDUS. 

come  in  to  our  aid.  Faith  shall  brighten  our  vision,  and  give  us 
to  see,  while  looking  through  time's  dim  vapors,  that  '  our  wit- 
ness is  in  heaven,  and  our  record  is  on  high.'  Faith  shall  open 
our  ears,  and  give  us  to  hear,  by  anticipation,  the  music  of  that 
blessed  plaudit,  '  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants !  enter 
into  the  joy  of  your  Lord.' 

"  Young  soldiers  of  the  cross,  may  you  be  strengthened  in  all 
the  labors  and  trials  that  may  attend  your  progress  1 

"  '  Far  from  a  world  of  grief  and  sin, 
With  God  eternally  shut  in — shut  in.'  " 

These  parting  words  were  not  the  last  he  was  permitted  to 
utter.  Frequently,  at  different  times  and  places,  he  was  yet 
allowed  to  hold  forth  the  faithful  word — to  preach  that  Saviour 
to  whom  he  confided  his  own  immortal  interests.  It  was  refresh- 
ing to  behold  this  old  pilgrim,  maintaining  to  the  end  of  his  life 
much  of  his  original  elasticity  of  mind.  Still  erect  in  form,  his 
step  indicated  but  little  of  the  decrepitude  of  declining  years.  It 
was  not  until  the  year  1848  that  any  serious  decline  was  appa- 
rent. His  last  sermon  was  preached  in  the  City  of  Richmond, 
for  the  First  African  Church.  It  was  a  remarkable  discourse.  * 
One  of  our  most  discriminating  brethren,  who  heard  it,  observed : 
"  If  a  million  men  should  give  their  views  of  that  passage,  no  one, 
probably,  would  entertain  the  conception  of  it  as  did  Brother 
Broaddus ;  and  yet  his  was  the  right  one,  and  I  am  surprised 
that  all  should  not  have  it."  The  pastor  of  the  church,  who  was 
present,  thus  refers  to  it :  "  His  text  on  that  occasion  was  cha- 
racteristic of  his  general  style  of  preaching — '  Strengthen  ye  the 
weak  hands,  and  confirm  the  feeble  knees.  Say  to  them  that  are 
of  a  fearful  heart,  be  strong,  fear  not.  Behold,  your  God  will 
come  with  vengeance,  even  God,  with  a  recompense,  he  will  come 
and  save  you.'  He  contemplated  the  servants  of  God  as  having 
a  work  to  do,  a  race  to  run,  and  a  battle  to  fight.  His  feeble 
frame,  his  advanced  age,  (being  in  his  seventy-eighth  year.)  and 
his  ripened  piety,  brought  forcibly  to  my  remembrance  a  parable 
of  the  Scripture  on  which  he  had  expatiated  seventeen  years 
before,  on  the  occasion  of  the  death  of  his  friend  and  coadjutor, 


ANDREW   BROADDUS.  27t 

the  devoted  Semple :  'I  have  fought  a  good  fight;  I  have  finished 
my  course;  I  have  kept  the  faith.'" 

In  the  first  part  of  his  sickness,  he  seems  to  have  been  despond- 
ent. The  irritability  produced  in  the  nervous  system,  by  the 
chronic  affection  under  which  he  was  suffering,  had  doubtless  its 
effects.  And  then,  he  was  looking  around  him  and  surveying 
well  the  ground  on  which  he  stood.  It  is  a  solemn  thing  to  die. 
He  felt  it  to  be  so.  Self-deception  was  the  thing  he  feared. 
Concerning  his  Redeemer,  and  the  great  truths  he  had  for  nearly 
sixty  years  proclaimed,  he  entertained  not  a  solitary  doubt.  The 
darkness  of  his  mind  was  of  short  continuance.  To  a  brother 
who  had  rode  a  long  distance  to  see  him,  he  extended  his  hand 
with  characteristic  affection,  expressing  his  readiness  to  die. 
When  asked,  on  another  occasion,  as  to  the  state  of  his  mind,  he 
said,  "Calmly  relying  on  Christ."  At  another  time,  rousing 
him  from  a  pleasing  reverie,  he  remarked,  "  The  angels  are 
instructing  me  how  to  conduct  myself  in  glory."  In  the  very 
last  agony,  he  was  heard  to  repeat  the  words  Happy  !  happy  ! 
happy  ! 

And  so  we  may  say : — 

"  Happy  soul !  thy  days  are  ended; 
All  thy  mourning  days  below." 

He  passed  away  to  his  long-anticipated  home  in  heaven,  De- 
cember 1st,  1848,  in  the  seventy-ninth  year  of  his  age. 

The  Baptists  of  Virginia  will  long  cherish  the  fond  memory 
of  the  excellence  of  his  character,  the  superior  mental  and  orato- 
rical powers  with  which  he  was  endowed,  and  the  genial,  useful 
Influence  he  exercised  on  the  churches  and  the  world. 


278  JOHN  K2ALE. 


JOHN   NEALE.* 

ELDER  JOHN  NEALE,  son  of  Presley  Neale  and  Mary,  his  wife, 
who  was  Mary  Carter,  was  born  about  1715  or  1776,  in  West- 
moreland County,  Virginia,  near  where  the  Pope's  Creek  Meet- 
ing-house now  stands ;  his  father  giving  the  lot  for  the  erection  of 
said  building.  Both  his  parents  were  pious  and  consistent  mem- 
bers of  the  church.  The  old  man,  when  dying,  said  to  his  son, 
"  Well,  John,  I  have  been  long  talking  about  heaven  ;  and  now  I  am 
going  to  see  what  it  is !"  John,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  grew 
up  a  wild  and  careless  young  man,  and  about  the  time  of  his 
becoming  of  age  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Brewer,  of  Richmond 
County.  Having  learned  the  trade  of  carpenter  and  house-joiner, 
he  went  into  the  employment  of  General  George  Washington,  at 
Mount  Yernon,  with  whom  he  lived  four  years,  as  master-workman 
among  his  carpenters.  Leaving  there,  he  was  employed  for  nine 
years,  in  the  same  capacity,  on  the  Ravensworth  estate,  in  Fair- 
fax County.  Here  he  lost  his  wife,  after  she  had  borne  him 
several  children.  Not  long  afterwards  he  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
Smith,  the  daughter  of  Charles  Smith,  of  Fairfax:  of  the  fruit  of 
this  marriage  one  child  only  survived  her  parents. 

All  these  years  John  Neale  thought  little  of  religion,  and 
seemed  to  care  less,  but  was  a  complete  man  of  the  world,  living 
in  pleasure  and  sin.  But  it  pleased  God  to  afflict  him  sorely  by 
chronic  rheumatism ;  he  lost  the  use  of  all  his  limbs.  In  this 
helpless  state,  he,  with  his  family,  were  brought  back  to  his 
father's  house,  where  he  lay  many  months  in  deep  suffering.  It 
was  during  this  affliction  that  he  was  led  to  think,  and  was  brought 
to  a  sense  of  his  guilt  and  wretchedness  before  God ;  and  there, 
too,  on  that  bed  of  suffering  he  first  found  peace  in  believing,  and, 
to  use  his  own  language,  "he  felt  himself  almost  at  heaven's  gate." 
Along  with  the  anguish  of  his  soul  all  his  pains  left  him,  and  the 
peace  which  passeth  understanding  possessed  his  soul. 

Though   free  of  pain   he  was  helpless,  and  could  not  gain 

*  By  Rev.  Level  Marders. 


JOHN  NEALE.  279 

strength.  All  despaired  of  his  recovery ;  medicine  to  strengthen 
was  given,  but  without  effect.  One  day,  alone  in  his  room,  on  the 
bed,  he  said  he  was  thinking  of  the  Lord's  goodness  to  him,  and 
all  at  once  it  seemed  as  if  some  one  spoke  these  words  to  him  : 
"I  shall  not  die,  but  live,  and  declare  the  glory  of  the  Lord;"  he 
looked  around  with  astonishment.  No  one  was  near.  Nor  did 
he  know  that  such  words  were  in  the  Bible.  His  wife  came  in. 
He  asked  for  the  Bible,  opened  it  at  the  Hundred  and  eighteenth 
Psalm,  and  there  he  read  the  words,  and  still  felt  them  as  if  ad- 
dressed to  him.  His  wife  was  about  to  give  him  his  medicine.  He 
told  her  to  put  it  away,  he  would  take  no  more.  Soon  after  he  was 
taken  with  a  bleeding  at  the  nose ;  friends  and  doctors  tried  in 
vain  to  stop  it ;  it  bled  rapidly  and  constantly ;  apparently  all  his 
blood  ran  away  ;  and  water  followed,  which  would  scarcely  stain 
the  whitest  cloth.  This  left  him  too  weak  to  move  a  muscle,  or 
open  his  eyes ;  nourishment  restored  the  vital  current,  and  gradu- 
ally life  and  strength  came  back — strength  which  he  could  not  gain 
before. 

In  the  spring  of  1809,  on  his  crutches,  he  came  out  a  new  man. 
On  his  crutches  he  moved,  with  his  family,  to  a  little  farm  near 
his  father,  which  he  had  purchased  with  the  proceeds  of  his  labor. 
On  his  crutches  he  went  before  the  Nomony  Church  to  relate  his 
Christian  experience.  On  his  crutches  he  was  baptized,  and  on 
them  he  commenced  his  after-life  labor,  of  warning  sinners  to 
repent  and  believe  the  gospel.  Thus  he  was  taken  from  the 
work-bench  to  the  pulpit.  He  was  soon  ordained  to  the  ministry, 
and  took  the  care  of  Pope's  Creek  Church,  which  was  organized 
about  that  time.  He  held  the  care  of  this  church,  preaching  in 
various  sections,  until  he  lost  his  second  wife,  somewhere  about 
1826;  after  which  he  went  up  into  Fauquier,  and  married  a 
widow  Martin,  with  whom  he  lived  comfortably  till  she  died. 
He  continued  to  preach  among  the  churches,  as  occasion  served, 
until  his  death,  which  took  place  somewhere  between  1848  and 
1850. 

His  education  was  limited  to  reading,  writing,  and  arithmetic, 
sufficient  for  the  common  affairs  of  life.  Possessed  of  much 
shrewdness,  he  was  qualified  to  push  his  way  among  his  species. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  Court  of  Westmoreland  several  years 


280  JOHN   NEALE. 

before  he  left  that  county.  He  was  never  a  healthy  man,  troubled 
always  with  a  cough  as  one  in  a  decline,  though  a  man  of  much 
energy  and  decision  of  character.  Whatever  he  undertook,  he  did 
with  his  might.  Common  things  would  never  turn  him  from  his 
course.  He  had  great  firmness,  which,  he  said,  he  acquired 
at  Mount  Yernon.  All  this  he  carried  with  him  into  the  minis- 
try. When  he  was  converted,  he  conferred  not  with  flesh  and 
blood,  but  pushed  ahead  as  heretofore. 

But  as  a  preacher,  who  shall  describe  him  ?  He  read,  thought, 
studied,  and  tried  hard  to  make  a  systematic  preacher.  He  would 
often  write  down  the  heads  of  his  discourses,  and  study  them  dis- 
tinctly. But,  sure  as  ever  he  began  to  preach,  he  would  drop  his 
oars,  jump  out  of  his  boat,  and  go  splashing  and  plunging  through 
the  great  deep  of  Divine  revelation ;  now  and  then  diving  and  throw- 
ing up  pearls  and  gems  in  a  crude  state.  He  would  be  pleasing  to 
some,  and  rasping  to  others.  Some  would  cry,  others  smile,  and 
some  be  angry.  But  little  cared  he  for  their  anger.  He  used  to 
say  :  "  Better  make  them  feel  angry  than  not  feel  at  all ;  it  might 
lead  them  to  think."  An  instance  in  point:  One  Sabbath  morn- 
ing, going  to  his  appointment,  he  met  a  man  with  a  net  on  hi? 
shoulder,  for  fishing.  He  stepped  in  the  road,  and  gave  him  9 
stern  rebuke  for  his  wickedness.  It  made  the  man  angry ;  so  angry  ? 
that  he  afterwards  said  he  could  willingly  have  killed  him.  But 
it  did  good.  The  rebuke  resulted  in  his  conversion  to  God. 
Such  roughness  may  be  excused,  but  cannot  always  be  com- 
mended. Yet,  with  all  his  crudeness  and  roughness,  Elder  Neale 
did  good. 

He  loved  his  people  and  they  loved  him ;  the  secret  power  of 
his  usefulness  seemed  to  lie  in  his  earnest-hearted  zeal.  That  he 
was  in  earnest,  few  who  knew  him  doubted ;  and  the  knowledge 
of  this,  on  the  part  of  the  people,  excused  many  of  his  rough,  un- 
couth sayings.  His  Master  blessed  his  labors,  and  gave  him  souls 
for  his  hire.  Many  no  doubt  are  now  with  him  before  the  throne, 
as  evidence  of  his  earnest  love  for  his  Master's  cause. 

The  last  time  the  writer  saw  him  was  a  year  or  two  before  he 
died ;  he  had  nothing  to  do,  he  said,  and  was  waiting  to  be 
called  home.  He  came  over  to  see  me  once  more,  as  he  had  not 
long  to  live;  and  asked  me  to  feel  his  pulse.  I  did  so,  and  found 


PHILIP   MATTHEWS.  281 

it  beating  three  or  four  times  rapidly,  and  then  stop  entirely  the 
time  of  three  or  four  beats  more,  and  thus  his  pulse  proceeded. 
"  That,"  he  said,  "  tells  me  my  time  is  short ;  but  I  have  no  fears; 
all  is  right ;  the  same  grace  that  called  and  kept  me  hitherto, 
will  not  let  me  go.  This  is  my  trust."  Thus  we  parted.  He  is 
gone,  gone  till  the  heavens  be  no  more.  He  was  about  seventy- 
five  years  of  age  at  his  death,  and  was  in  the  ministry  upwards 
of  forty  years.  John  Neale  preached  many  things  in  his  exhorta- 
tions, and  the  common  people  heard  him  gladly. 


PHILIP   MATTHEWS. 

IT  is  not  a  vain  boast  we  make,  when,  in  pointing  to  the 
ministry  of  our  fathers,  we  say  that  never  have  men  more  untiring 
and  faithful  been  found.  Though  they  did  not  dig  deep  in  the 
mines  of  worldly  knowledge,  the  ample  treasures  of  spiritual  truth 
were  laid  open  before  them,  as  the  pages  of  God's  word  were  dili- 
gently explored.  They  sought  not  the  praise  of  man,  but  in  sim- 
plicity and  godly  sincerity  commended  the  truth  to  every  man's 
conscience  in  the  sight  of  God. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  the  year  1755.  When 
he  professed  religion  or  entered  the  ministry  is  not  known  by  the 
writer.  It  is  certain  he  had  begun  to  commend  the  gospel  mes- 
sage to  his  fellow-men  before  the  beginning  of  the  present  cen- 
tury. To  the  church  called  Rocks,  in  Prince  Edward  County,  he 
most  faithfully  ministered.  In  the  Minutes  of  the  Appomatox 
Association  for  1834,  it  is  stated  that  he  had  long  been  its  pastor, 
and  that  it  "has  been  a  prosperous  body.  Lately  ELDER  MAT- 
THEWS has,  with  some  of  the  members,  formed  a  new  church, 
called  '  Matthews,'  at  Walker's  Church,  and  it  is  said  some  un- 
pleasantness has  been  occasioned,  by  a  difference  of  sentiment 
respecting  temperance  societies.  This  ought  not  to  be.  We 
hope  the  'Rocks'  will  never  blame  others  for  their  labors  to  ame- 
liorate the  condition  of  mankind  by  the  means  of  temperance  or 

24* 


282  PHILIP   MATTHEWS. 

any  other  effort,  good  in  its  design."  From  this  extract  it  would 
appear  that  Mr.  Matthews  had  taken  decided  ground  in  favor  of 
those  reformatory  movements,  by  which  the  sober  might  be  kept 
so,  and  the  inebriate  be  snatched  from  the  vortex  of  ruin  into 
which  he  was  plunging. 

While,  as  thus  indicated,  he  early  became  a  temperance  advo- 
cate, the  same  is  true  respecting  all  the  plans  of  Christian  benevo- 
lence which  mark  our  age.  One  who  knew  him  well  remarks : 
"To  the  benevolent  efforts  of  the  Baptists  he  assented  slowly  and 
cautiously  at  the  first ;  but  as  light  beamed  on  his  mind,  he  came 
heart  and  hand  into  every  laudable  measure,  as  far  as  he  under- 
stood it.  To  the  temperance  cause  especially  he  gave  his 
undivided  soul.  Never  was  one  more  decided  than  he  on  that 
subject.  To  Bible,  missionary,  and  tract  operations  he  lent  his 
unqualified  support." 

The  same  witness  thus  testifies :  "  Integrity  and  uprightness, 
promptitude  and  consistency,  marked  all  his  dealings  with  his  fel- 
low-men. Perhaps,  if  any  trait  stood  prominent  in  his  character, 
it  was  benevolence  to  the  poor.  No  man  came  to  him  in  dis- 
tress but  he  met  with  a  sympathetic  brother,  and  the  poor  around 
him  could  give  testimony  of  his  many  unostentatious  acts  of 
charity.  From  the  needy  he  turned  not  away." 

In  maintaining  with  decision  his  views  on  the  question  of  send- 
ing the  gospel  to  the  perishing,  he  yielded  not  to  a  captious  and 
intolerant  spirit.  It  was  his  anxious  concern  to  see  the  Lord's 
people  united.  "Strife  and  debate  he  always  opposed.  At 
home,  in  his  neighborhood,  in  the  church,  or  in  the  Association, 
he  was  emphatically  a  peace-maker." 

As  a  preacher  he  was  plain,  simple,  and  earnest.  He  aimed  to 
secure  the  spiritual  good  of  man,  not  to  please  them  or  to  obtain 
their  commendation.  He  sought  also  in  his  pulpit  labors  a  more 
elevated  standard  of  piety  in  the  churches.  The  cause  and  glory 
of  the  Redeemer  seemed  to  lie  near  his  heart.  He  aimed  without 
fear  to  reach  the  conscience,  declaring  the  whole  counsel  of  God. 
"But,"  as  a  friend  observes,  "his  loudest  preaching  was  an  exem- 
plary Christian  life.  All  the  Christian  graces  seemed  to  find  a 
soil  in  which  they  could  live,  and  to  receive  a  cultivation  which 
made  them  thrive." 


PHILIP   MATTHEWS.  283 

When  the  time  came  that  he  must  die,  his  confidence  in  the 
great  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  in  that  Saviour  in  which  all  these 
truths  centre,  was  unwavering.  When  visited  by  a  loved  daugh- 
ter, and  questioned  concerning  the  condition  and  prospects  of  his 
soul,  he  said :  "  I  have  a  strong  hope,  based  upon  the  founda- 
tion, Christ."  We  refer  to  the  closing  scene  in  the  language  of 
another : — 

"On  Tuesday  his  physician  informed  him  that  he  must  die, 
upon  which  he  proceeded  to  give  to  all  what  he  himself  styled 
Ids  dying  charge.  We  can  only  give  the  substance  of  that 
day's  conversation.  First,  to  all  the  ministers  of  the  gospel, 
tell  them  to  be  more  faithful  in  declaring  all  the  counsel  of 
God.  Then  to  all  professors  of  religion,  tell  them  to  be  more 
circumspect ;  to  live  nearer  to  God ;  to  abstain  from  all  ap- 
pearance of  evil.  To  young  Christians,  tell  them  to  guard 
against  that  levity  which  he  too  often,  with  pain,  witnessed.  To 
his  children  he  spoke,  exhorting  them  to  live  holy  and  consistent 
lives.  To  one,  who,  professing  faith,  but  had  not  publicly  pro- 
fessed attachment  to  Christ,  he  spoke  with  importunity,  urging  to 
delay  duty  no  longer.  He  seemed  to  feel  especially  for  an  uncon- 
verted son  in  the  West,  and  sent  an  affectionate  message  to  him. 
After  all  this  and  much  more  of  an  impressive  character,  which  we 
cannot  now  pen,  he  signified  his  anxiety  to  depart — said  he  had 
fought  a  good  fight,  had  finished  his  course,  and  kept  the  faith. 
He  remarked  that  death  seemed  only  like  stepping  from  one  room 
to  another.  He  lived,  however,  until  the  next  Saturday,  exhort- 
ing, as  his  pains  would  permit,  all  he  saw." 

Thus  he  died,  at  his  home  in  Prince  Edward  County,  on  Satur- 
day, the  10th  of  August,  1839,  leaving  behind  the  pleasing  evi- 
dence of  preparation  for  the  joys  of  the  righteous. 

The  church  of  which  he  was  pastor,  in  view  of  this  event, 
recorded  upon  their  church-book  the  following:  "This  church 
cordially  sympathize  with  his  afflicted  family,  while  they  bewail 
their  own  heavy  loss  in  the  death  of  this  diligent,  faithful,  and 
persevering  herald  of  the  cross,  and  long-tried  servant  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  believed  by  this  church  that  Elder  Mat- 
thews was  for  more  than  forty  years  engaged  in  the  ministry  of 
the  gospel,  and  that  he  never  failed  to  declare  the  whole  counsel 


2S4  JOHN   DAVIS. 

of  God,  to  the  best  of  his  ability.  The  great  characteristic  of  his 
preaching  was  faithfulness  to  his  Master  and  the  souls  of  his 
fellow-men.  He  died  as  he  lived,  in  the  full  triumph  of  faith,  and 
the  hope  of  a  happy  resurrection  at  the  last  day." 


JOHN  DAY  IS. 

THE  toil-worn  laborer  is  cheered  by  the  examples  of  patient 
endurance  which  the  history  of  others  may  furnish.  Thus  the 
biography  of  such  men  as  JOHN  DAVIS  has  something  in  it  pecu- 
liarly refreshing  to  the  faithful  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  as  he 
pursues  his  course  of  self-denial,  in  fulfilling  the  work  assigned 
him.  For  the  following  tribute  to  the  memory  of  this  good  man 
we  are  indebted  to  the  pen  of  Dr.  Samuel  B.  Rice.  It  is  no  less 
well  written  than  truthful. 

"Elder  Davis  was  born  in  Orange  County,  Virginia,  in  the 
spring  of  1782.  When  young,  his  parents  removed  to  Albemarle 
County,  where  he  spent  his  minority.  In  1801  he  professed 
the  religion  of  Christ,  and  was  baptized  by  Elder  Goss,  who  had 
been  instrumental  in  his  awakening  and  conversion.  In  1802  he 
located  himself  in  the  County  of  Amherst,  where  he  resided  till 
his  death.  In  1812  he  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the 
gospel  ministry.  From  that  time  till  the  close  of  his  life,  a  period 
of  forty  years,  he  was  engaged  with  untiring  assiduity  in  his 
Master's  service.  And  although  we  have  many  ministers  in  the 
denomination  of  superior  talents  and  education  to  Brother  Davis, 
yet  I  very  much  question  if  we  have  any  who  have  rendered  the 
Baptists  more  service,  or  who  have  been  more  extensively  instru- 
mental in  the  awakening  and  conversion  of  sinners  to  God,  than 
he  was.  Possessed  of  a  cast  of  mind  adapted  to  a  very  large 
majority  of  those  among  whom  he  labored,  and  urged  by  a  zeal 
for  the  glory  of  God,  connected  with  an  ardent  desire  for  the  sal- 
vation of  sinners  which  knew  no  limit,  his  whole  life  was  a  life 
of  toil  and  privation,  and  his  labors  were  most  eminently  suc- 
cessful. 


JOHN  DAVIS.  285 

"He  became,  at  various  periods  of  his  ministry,  the  pastor  of 
Maple  Creek,  Ebenezer,  and  Mount  Moriah  Churches,  in  Amherst ; 
of  Hunting  Creek,  in  Bedford ;  of  Neriah  and  Panther  Gap,  in 
Rockbridge ;  and  was  the  founder  of  Piuey  River  Church,  in 
Xelson,  and  of  New  Prospect  Church,  in  Amherst.  In  all  of 
these  churches  he  had  large  and  extensive  revivals — numbering 
in  some  instances  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  converts. 
The  writer  of  this  little  tribute  to  his  memory  heard  him  remark, 
a  few  months  previous  to  his  death,  that  he  thought  he  had  tra- 
veled, in  the  discharge  of  his  ministerial  engagements,  nearly  50,000 
miles ;  and  had  baptized  upwards  of  3000  converts. 

"  For  the  last  four  or  five  years,  however,  it  was  manifest  that 
his  extraordinary  energy  of  mind  and  body  was  gradually  yielding 
to  the  pressure  of  accumulated  years  and  multiplied  infirmities ; 
so  much  so  that  he  had,  for  some  considerable  time  previous  to 
his  death,  found  it  necessary  to  circumscribe  the  area  of  his  opera- 
tions, and  to  relinquish  the  care  of  his  churches.  About  the  1st 
of  September,  1851,  he  was  attacked  by  the  disease  which  termi- 
nated his  earthly  existence.  It  soon  became  manifest,  not  only 
to  those  around  him,  but  to  himself,  that  he  could  not  survive  the 
violence  of  the  attack.  Every  day  gave  more  unerring  indications 
of  his  approaching  end.  But  none  seemed  less  dismayed  by  these 
indications  than  he  himself.  To  him  death  had  lost  its  sting, 
and  the  grave  its  victory.  He  assured  his  attendants  there  was 
but  one  object  for  which  he  still  wished  to  live,  and  that  was  to 
see  all  his  children  converted  to  God.  As  his  end  approached, 
however,  he  seemed  to  relinquish  every  wish  with  regard  to  him- 
self with  cheerful  resignation  into  the  hands  of  his  heavenly 
Father.  That  go^rel  which  he  had  preached  to  others,  and 
which  had  been  his  support  through  life,  became  emphatically  and 
manifestly  his  stay  in  death.  With  that  tenderness  and  sympathy 
which  had  characterized  him  through  life,  he  spoke  words  of  com- 
fort to  his  family  and  friends  in  the  prospect  of  his  being  taken 
from  them.  And  with  that  composure  and  tranquillity  which  can 
animate  none  but  a  dying  Christian,  he  gave  directions  concern- 
ing his  funeral — selecting  his  hymn,  text,  preacher,  etc. ;  and, 
having  arranged  all  his  temporal  affairs,  he  fell  sweetly  asleep  on 


286  THOMAS   LA   FON,  SB. 

the  bosom  of  his  Saviour.    '  Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the 
upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.'" 

Elder  Davis,  as  indicated  in  the  above-named  particulars  of  his 
life,  occupied  an  eminent  position  within  the  limits  of  the  Albe- 
marle  Association,  and  left  behind  him,  among  the  churches  of 
that  body,  a  sweet  savor,  to  the  glory  of  his  Divine  Master. 


THOMAS   LA  FON,  SB. 

THE  name  of  LA  FON,  as  one  of  the  early  Baptist  preachers 
who  exerted  no  little  influence  for  good,  is  familiar  only  to  a  few 
of  the  older  disciples  in  Chesterfield.  The  following  brief  refer- 
ence to  his  history  is  from  the  pen  of  his  son,  Dr.  Joseph  La  Fon, 
of  Missouri. 

Thomas  La  Fou,  Sr.,  was  born  on  the  18th  day  of  March,  17G4, 
in  King  and  Queen  County,  Virginia;  he  was  enlisted  at  the  age 
of  sixteen,  in  the  regular  service,  during  the  Revolution,  for  the 
term  of  eighteen  months,  and  served  all,  or  nearly  all  the  time  for 
which  he  was  enlisted.  He  was  in  General  Greene's  army,  and 
wounded  at  the  battle  of  Eutaw  Springs.  The  writer  of  this 
remembers  hearing  him  say,  that  just  before  the  battle  referred  to 
commenced,  the  soldiers  had  prepared  their  scanty  meal,  consist- 
ing of  bread  alone,  "  Old  Virginia  ash-cake,"  after  fasting  three 
days.  As  they  were  about  to  commence  their  meal,  General 
Greene  told  the  men  to  lay  their  bread  by,  as  he  hoped  they  would, 
in  a  short  time,  be  able  to  eat  it  with  more  satisfaction.  Very 
soon  after  the  battle  commenced  he  was  wounded  in  the  abdomen 
by  a  musket-ball ;  the  ball  entering  near  the  umbilicus,  and  pass- 
ing through  the  body,  came  out  on  one  side  of  the  spinal  column ; 
his  bowels  protruded  through  the  wound  in  front,  and  he  held 
them  in  his  hand  until  he  received  surgical  assistance.  He  always 
attributed  his  escape  from  instant  death  to  his  long  fast.  In  all 
after-life  he  suffered  considerably,  at  periods,  from  the  effects  of  his 
wound. 

He  speedily  recovered,  rejoined  the  army,  and  was  in  the  battle 


THOMAS   LA  FON,  SB.  287 

of  the  Cowpens.  Xo  other  revolutionary  reminiscence  is  now 
recollected  of  him. 

He  was  married  about  the  year  1785  or  1786,  to  Catherine 
Gale,  of  the  County  of  King  and  Queen,  and  settled  in  Chester- 
field County,  three  miles  east  of  the  Court-house,  on  the  farm  now 
occupied  by  Joseph  Wooldridge,  immediately  north-northwest  of 
the  Half-way,  or  Proctor's  Creek  Station,  on  the  Richmond  and 
Petersburg  Railroad,  where  he  resided  until  his  death.  In  his  old 
family  Bible,  now  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Martha  La  Fon,  of 
La  Grange,  Missouri,  widow  of  John  La  Fon,  deceased,  there  is 
an  entry  in  his  own  handwriting :  "  Spiritually  born,  August  25th, 
1785."  He  commeuced  preaching  soon  after  his  conversion — the 
precise  time  not  known.  He  was  ordained  by  some  one  of  the 
Baptist  preachers  of  Chesterfield  County,  Virginia — supposed  to 
be  Elder  Eleazer  Clay,  as  he  was  known  to  be  very  intimate  with 
and  greatly  attached  to  Elder  Clay.  He  preached  mostly  in 
Chesterfield  County,  and  had  the  care  of  Salem  Church,  which 
was  constituted  under  his  ministry,  about  the  year  1803.  As  a 
minister  he  was  much  beloved,  and  spoke  with  much  pathos  and 
energy.  Although  a  youth,  Dr.  La  Fon  says  he  remembers 
hearing  him  with  much  delight,  and  frequently  shedding  tears  at 
his  earnest  appeals.  In  the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  occasionally 
visited  the  adjoining  counties,  with  other  ministers,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  preaching  the  gospel.  He  was  taken  sick  just  after  he  re- 
turned from  one  of  these  tours,  with  bilious  remittent  fever,  and  died 
on  the  15th  day  of  September,  1815,  having  been  confined  to  his 
bed  but  about  one  week.  Elder  E.  Clay  preached  his  funeral  ser- 
mon, from  the  fourth  chapter  of  Paul's  Second  Letter  to  Timothy, 
sixth,  seventh,  and  eighth  verses :  "  For  I  am  now  ready  to  be 
offered,"  etc. 

His  widow  removed  to  Missouri  with  some  of  her  children,  in 
the  fall  of  1830,  and  died  in  "full  assurance  of  faith,"  in  Lewis 
County,  on  the  8th  day  of  September,  in  the  year  1831,  about 
three  miles  south  of  the  present  City  of  La  Grange. 

Most  of  his  descendants  are  now  living  in  Marion  and  Lewis 
Counties,  Missouri,  and  Chesterfield  County,  Virginia;  some  few 
in  the  States  of  New  Jersey  and  Texas. 


288  DAVID  JESSEE. 


DAVID   JESSEE.* 

ELDER  DAVID  JESSEE  was  born  March  6th,  It 83,  in  Russell 
County,  Virginia.  In  1801,  being  then  in  his  eighteenth  year, 
he  made  a  profession  of  religion,  and  connected  himself  with  the 
church  at  Castle's  Woods,  in  his  native  county.  He  commenced 
his  labors  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel  in  the  same  year  of  his  con- 
version. In  the  year  1803  he  was  ordained  to  the  ministry,  and 
called  to  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church  at  Castle's  Woods.  He 
accepted  this  call,  and  retained  his  position  as  pastor  of  that 
church  until  the  period  of  his  death.  During  his  pastorship, 
that  church  enjoyed  several  revivals  of  religion,  in  one  of  which 
upwards  of  one  hundred  members  were  added  to  its  numbers. 

The  ministerial  labors  of  Elder  Jessee  were  confined  principally 
to  the  Counties  of  Russell,  Washington,  Scott,  and  Lee.  The 
pastoral  care  of  from  two  to  four  churches  during  the  whole 
period  of  his  ministry,  together  with  the  necessity  of  supporting 
a  large  family,  necessarily  confined  him  within  a  limited  sphere 
of  action.  But  his  time  was  much  devoted  to  preaching,  and  it 
may  be  justly  said  of  him,  that  few  men  have  been  more  zealous 
and  devoted  in  the  ministry.  With  the  exception  of  some  few 
meetings,  he  presided  as  Moderator  in  the  Washington  Associa- 
tion from  the  time  of  its  organization  until  the  disruption  of  that 
body  by  the  formation  of  the  Lebanon  Association,  in  1845.  Of 
this  latter  body  he  was,  with  the  exception  of  a  single  meeting, 
annually  elected  Moderator.  In  the  exception  referred  to,  be 
declined  the  office  on  the  ground  of  his  infirmities.  He,  however, 
subsequently  filled  it  until  his  death. 

We  have  but  meagre  and  imperfect  details  of  the  early  operations 
of  the  Baptists  within  Elder  Jessee's  field  of  labor.  After  some 
inquiry  upon  this  subject,  we  hear  of  but  one  Baptist  minister  iii 
the  County  of  Russell,  about  the  period  of  Elder  Jessee's  con- 
version ;  this  one  was  Edward  Kelly.  The  late  Elder  Thomas 

*  By  J.  W.  Lampkin. 


DAVID   JESSEE.  289 

Colley,  of  Washington,  labored  in  that  and  the  adjacent  coun- 
ties for  many  years;  but  at  what  time  his  ministry  commenced  is 
unknown  to  the  writer  of  this  article. 

Elder  Jessee  was  awakened  and  converted  under  the  preaching 
of  Edward  Kelly,  and  baptized  by  him  in  Reed's  Valley,  during 
a  revival  of  religion  which  occurred  in  that  vicinity. 

In  regard  to  the  doctrines  held  and  preached  by  him,  it  may 
be  sufficient  to  say,  that  they  coincided  generally  with  those  of 
the  Regular  Baptists.  His  views,  however,  in  reference  to  the 
extent  of  the  atonement,  underwent  a  change.  In  the  early  part 
of  his  ministry  he  advocated  the  high-toned  Calvinistic  view  of 
that  subject ;  but  in  the  latter  years  of  his  life  he  supported  the 
view  now  generally  adopted  by  the  Baptists,  viz. ,  that  the  atone- 
ment is  general  in  its  nature.  Elder  Jessee  also  changed  his 
position  upon  another  subject,  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a 
beverage  by  members  of  the  church.  From  having  in  early  life 
tolerated  this  practice,  he  was,  for  many  years  previous  to  his 
death,  its  uncompromising  opponent. 

Prior  to  the  year  1845  the  subject  of  foreign  and  domestic 
missions  had  not  been  noticed  among  the  churches  within  Elder 
Jessee's  field  of  labor,  and  whole  churches,  if  not  hostile,  had  at 
least  been  neutral  on  this  subject.  The  Washington  Association 
(embracing  these  churches)  met  in  1845,  at  Glade  Hollow  Meet- 
ing-house, near  Lebanon.  About  this  time  some  indications  of  a 
missionary  spirit,  to  some  extent,  with  some  one  or  two  churches,  had 
been  manifested,  and  had  aroused  a  feeling  of  hostility  on  the  part 
of  the  enemies  of  missions.  These  last  appeared  in  the  Association, 
determined,  if  possible,  to  crush  every  indication  of  a  missionary 
spirit.  Either  fortunately  or  unfortunately,  the  issue  was  made 
in  that  meeting.  The  application  on  the  part  of  a  new  church 
(friendly  to  missions)  to  become  a  member  of  that  body,  brought 
up  the  question  of  missions.  Without  entering  into  details,  it  is 
sufficient  here  to  say,  that  the  debate  upon  this  question  was 
stirring  and  tempestuous,  and  in  some  instances  the  spirit  mani- 
fested but  illy  comported  with  that  which  should  influence  a 
religious  deliberative  body.  The  result  was  a  disruption  of  the 
Washington  Association.  A  large  portion  of  the  delegates  in 
the  meeting  withdrew  from  the  body,  convened  at  Russell  Court- 

VOL.  n . — T  25 


y' 

290  DAVID  JESSEE. 

house,  and  organized  the  Lebanon  Association.  The  friends  and 
opponents  of  missions  parted  on  that  day,  never  to  meet  again  in 
council.  In  the  excitement  of  this  meeting  Elder  Jessee  was 
deposed  as  Moderator,  a  position  he  had  long  filled.  Having 
identified  himself  with  the  friends  of  missions,  he  became  obnoxious 
to  the  enemies  of  that  cause.  Foreseeing  the  painful  results  to 
which  the  anti-mission  party  was  tending,  he  warned  and  en- 
treated them  to  shun  the  rocks  upon  which  they  were  about  to 
founder.  Amid  all  the  excitement  around  him,  and  doubtless 
smarting  under  the  contumely  thrown  upon  himself  and  his  friends, 
he,  with  parental  fondness,  plead  to  the  last  moment  for  union, 
brotherly  kindness,  mutual  effort,  and  freedom  of  conscience  in 
matters  of  religion.  The  ties  which  bound  him  to  the  Associa- 
tion were  hard  to  sever.  Even  when  the  last  hope  of  effecting  a 
reconciliation  with  his  misguided  brethren  had  been  blighted — 
when  his  friends  had  all  left  the  house — when  he  himself  had  been 
rudely  thrust  from  the  Moderator's  place,  and  his  last  earnest  and 
affectionate  appeal  for  union  and  harmony  had  fallen  lifeless  upon 
hardened  hearts  and  deaf  ears,  he  still  lingered  in  that  meeting, 
watching  for  the  moment  when  the  storm  of  passion  and  preju- 
dice should  so  far  subside  as  to  allow  him  the  opportunity  of 
using  the  only  weapon  now  left  him — that  of  prayer.  He  found 
that  opportunity,  and  kneeling  once  more  in  their  midst,  he  in- 
voked the  blessings  of  Heaven  for  the  continued  union  and  pros- 
perity of  his  brethren ;  and,  utterly  forgetful  of  his  own  wrongs, 
implored  every  blessing  upon  those  who  had  inflicted  them.  That 
earnest  and  affectionate  appeal  to  Heaven  was  not  in  vain :  a 
deep  impression  was  made  upon  the  minds  and  hearts  of  his  oppo- 
nents, convincing  them  of  his  faithfulness  and  sincerity,  and  leav- 
ing ever  after  a  stronger  feeling  of  respect  and  kindness  on  their 
part.  We  may  form  some  idea  of  the  power  and  spirit  of  that 
last  prayer  of  his,  from  the  fact  that  an  anti-missionary  minister, 
a  leading  and  formidable  opponent,  who  had  come  to  the  Asso- 
ciation prepared  to  pour  out  upon  the  missionaries  a  bitter  and 
acrimonious  speech,  had  this  speech  (to  use  his  own  expression) 
all  prayed  out  of  him.  Under  the  influence  of  Jessee's  prayer, 
his  anti-missionary  speech  perished  still-born  in  the  laboratory  of 
his  mind.  He  could  not  recall  even  the  skeleton  of  it.  From 


DAVID   JESSEE.  291 

that  day  a  new  impulse  was  given  to  the  cause  of  missions  in  Elder 
Jessee's  field  of  labor.  The  friends  of  that  cause  organized,  and 
have  ever  since  been  gaining  strength. 

Both  as  a  minister  and  a  citizen,  Elder  Jessee  was  popular,  and 
maintained  through  life  an  unimpeachable  character.  In  all  the 
relations  of  life  in  which  he  was  called  to  act,  his  good  name 
remained  unsullied.  His  life  may  justly  be  regarded  as  one  of 
usefulness.  Instrumental  in  winning  many  souls  to  Christ;  in- 
strumental in  building  up  several  churches ;  having  preached  the 
gospel  in  a  region  of  country  comparatively  destitute,  for  more  than 
half  a  century;  having,  during  that  long  period,  faithfully  served 
several  churches  as  pastor ;  having  baptized  about  2000  persons, 
and,  as  a  minister  and  private  citizen,  exerted  an  influence  for 
good  and  sustained  a  character  without  reproach,  he  has  "fallen 
asleep  in  Jesus."  On  the  20th  day  of  March,  1856,  about  ten 
o'clock  P.M.,  he  was  attacked  with  paralysis;  a  few  hours  after, 
his  spirit  passed  away.  His  summons  was  sudden,  but  found  him 
not  unprepared.  Disease  deprived  him  of  the  power  of  speech 
during  his  last  hours,  but  a  long  and  well-spent  life  by  faith  in  his 
Redeemer,  gives  assurance  that  he  met  death  in  the  full  triumphs 
of  the  Christian's  hope,  and  that  he  has  entered  upon  that  "rest 
which  remains  for  the  people  of  God." 

Elder  Jessee  had  but  a  limited  education.  His  mind  was  active 
and  clear.  Fluent  in  speech,  and  hasty  in  delivery,  he  had  not 
trained  his  thoughts  nor  disciplined  his  ideas.  The  theme  of  his 
discourses  occupied  far  more  of  his  attention  than  the  manner  of 
their  delivery.  His  style  of  preaching  was  hasty,  animated,  and 
impulsive.  His  sermons,  unstudied  with  a  view  to  arrangement, 
were  generally  somewhat  deficient  in  connection.  In  the  vigor 
of  manhood  few  men  possessed  a  more  perfect  voice.  Rapid  and 
fluent  in  speech,  with  little  attention  to  the  modulations  of  the 
voice — with  but  little  regard  to  the  choice  of  words — with  great 
earnestness  of  manner,  and  his  sermons  always  extemporaneous, 
he  seldom  failed  to  command  attention  and  to  make  a  favorable 
impression  upon  his  audience.  Though  laboring  under  many  dis- 
advantages, and  standing  almost  alone  for  more  than  half  a 
century  in  the  field  he  occupied,  yet  his  labors  were  owned  and 
blessed,  and  God  permitted  him,  in  his  declining  years,  to  witness 


292  JOSHUA   L.  BROCKMAN. 

the  prosperity  of  that  cause  which  he  had  loved  and  sustained 
from  youth  to  old  age,  and  to  the  support  of  which  he  had  de- 
voted the  energies  of  a  long  life.  He  lived  to  see  churches  multi- 
plied around  him,  his  field  occupied  by  efficient  ministers,  and  the 
prevalence  of  liberal  and  enlightened  views  in  regard  to  Christian 
effort.  His  surviving  Christian  brethren  will  long  cherish  his 
memory,  and  his  piety,  faithfulness,  and  usefulness  still  live  in  the 
respect  of  all  who  knew  him. 


JOSHUA    L.  BROCKMAN.* 

THIS  servant  of  Christ  was  born  the  first  of  February,  1829, 
in  Orange  County,  Virginia.  Though  his  career  was  short,  and 
for  the  most  part  destitute  of  striking  incidents  or  brilliant 
achievements,  yet  it  is  far  from  being  uninteresting.  Happily  for 
him,  he  had  parents  whose  great  desire  was  to  train  up  their  son 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  When  but  a  child, 
he  received  a  very  solemn  admonition  from  his  father,  which  never 
faded  from  his  memory.  In  after  years,  ELDER  BROCKMAN  fre- 
quently alluded  to  this  circumstance,  and  regarded  it  as  having 
given  a  cast  to  his  whole  life.  What  a  striking  illustration  does 
this  furnish  of  the  influence  which  pious  parents  exert  over  their 
offspring  !  How  often  has  a  simple  sentence,  coming  from  a  heart 
filled  with  anxious  desires  for  the  child's  salvation,  been  made 
instrumental  in  bringing  the  little  one  to  Jesus  ! 

From  a  child,  Elder  Brockman  was  scrupulously  conscientious. 
No  boy  ever  thought  it  worth  while  to  insist  on  his  doing  what 
he  thought  to  be  wrong.  Importunity  availed  nothing.  He 
would  suffer  martyrdom  rather  than  do  what  conscience  told  him 
was  not  right.  When  but  a  little  child,  he  was  singularly  fond  of 
reading  the  Bible.  He  would  assemble  his  playmates  and  conduct 
singing,  reading,  and  prayer,  with  that  earnestness,  solemnity,  and 
fervency  which  ever  characterized  his  religious  services. 

*  By  Rev.  A.  E.  Dickinson. 


JOSHUA   L.  BROCKMAN.  293 

There  was  no  exercise  to  which  he  was  more  devoted  than 
secret  prayer.  He  seemed  to  move  in  a  holy  atmosphere. 
Prayer  was  his  "vital  breath,  his  native  air."  He  is  represented 
by  one  who  knew  him  well,  as  spending  several  hours  in  each  day 
in  private  devotions.  Frequently  his  continued  absence  long 
after  nightfall  would  produce  no  small  stir  in  the  family  to  know 
what  had  become  of  the  boy.  At  such  times,  he  was  generally 
found  in  an  out-house,  or  in  a  retired  grove,  breathing  the  aspira- 
tioDS  of  his  soul  into  the  ear  of  Him  who  has  said,  "  Suffer  little 
children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not,  for  of  such  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven." 

Then  but  thirteen  years  of  age,  he  made  a  profession  of  reli- 
gion, and  united  with  the  North  Pamunkey  Baptist  Church. 
Having  made  a  full  and  entire  consecration  of  himself  to  Christ, 
he  at  once  inquired,  "Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?" 
Though  but  a  little  boy,  he  began  by  praying  in  public,  and  ex- 
horting sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.  When  seventeen 
years  of  age,  he  was  placed  in  the  office  of  deacon,  in  which  capa- 
city he  was  for  several  years  eminently  useful.  When  nineteen 
years  old,  we  find  him  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel.  No  sooner 
is  he  convinced  that  it  is  his  duty  to  preach,  than  he  seeks  most 
assiduously  to  improve  his  mind  by  every  means  in  his  power. 
Having  availed  himself  of  the  best  instruction  which  his  neigh- 
borhood could  furnish,  he  enters  Columbian  College,  with  the 
determination  of  going  through  a  thorough  course  of  study ; 
but  his  plans  are  frustrated ;  his  health  fails.  He  is  com- 
pelled, after  some  six  months,  to  leave  college.  An  invalid,  he 
now  spends  a  year  at  home,  in  the  most  painful  suspense  with  re- 
gard to  the  future  course  of  his  life.  Unable  to  prosecute  his 
studies,  unwilling  to  enter  any  secular  calling,  feeling  unprepared 
for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  yet  his  heart  burning  with  love 
to  the  Saviour  and  to  souls,  urges  him  to  do  something.  What 
can  he  do  ?  Where  is  the  path  of  duty  ?  For  a  season  he  walks 
in  darkness  and  doubt.  He  finally  concludes  to  enter  at  once 
the  work  of  the  ministry. 

He  is  ordained,  and  accepts  the  pastorate  of  Lickinghole 
Church,  Goochland  County. 

On  the  eleventh  day  of  November,  1852,  he  was  united  in  mar- 


294  JOSHUA  L.  BROCKMAN. 

riage  to  Miss  Ann  E.  Graves,  a  lady  in  every  respect  calculated 
to  promote  his  happiness,  and  aid  him  in  his  sacred  calling. 
The  Lickinghole  Church  had  for  years  been  declining.  The 
prospect  for  doing  good  in  a  short  time  was  a  poor  one.  His 
friends  hoped  that  after  several  years  he  might  do  something. 
Little  did  any  one  think  that  in  so  short  a  time  such  a  glorious 
work  could  be  effected.  In  a  few  months  the  young  pastor  had 
three  large  Sabbath-schools  within  the  bounds  of  his  church  in 
successful  operation.  He  sought  to  interest  every  member  of  his 
church  and  congregation  in  these  nurseries  of  piety.  He  went 
from  house  to  house,  begging  his  brethren  to  consecrate  them- 
selves to  Jesus,  to  take  hold  of  everything  which  promised  to 
advance  his  cause. 

Not  only  Sabbath-schools,  but  every  good  cause  found  in  him 
an  earnest  and  eloquent  advocate.  His  heart  was  deeply  inte- 
rested in  the  work  of  missions.  He  aimed  at  nothing  less  than 
the  conversion  of  the  world.  From  contributing  a  small  sum, 
his  church,  during  the  first  year  of  his  connection  with  them,  gave 
some  five  hundred  dollars  to  this  cause. 

Just  as  he  had  endeared  himself  to  the  people  of  his  charge,  and 
as  his  labors  were  being  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  souls,  the 
partner  of  his  bosom  was  stricken  down  by  the  hand  of  death, 
and  he,  overwhelmed  with  distress,  sunk  beneath  the  blow.  His 
health  having  nearly  failed  him,  he  bade  adieu  to  his  flock,  and 
returned  to  the  home  of  his  childhood,  to  spend  his  few  remaining 
days  with  his  widowed  mother.  But  though  an  invalid,  he  could 
not  contentedly  be  idle  while  he  could  do  anything  for  the  salva- 
tion of  those  perishing  around  him. 

Being  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  Berea  Baptist  Church, 
Louisa  County,  after  much  prayer  for  guidance,  he  determined  to 
spend  whatever  of  life  was  left  him  in  advancing  the  cause  of  God 
here.  But  so  rapidly  did  his  health  decline,  he  was  unable  to 
preach  except  very  rarely ;  and  yet  it  cannot  be  denied  that  even 
here  he  was  instrumental  in  doing  great  good. 

After  a  short  but  useful  life,  on  the  31st  of  July,  1856,  this 
man  of  God  fell  asleep  in  Jesus.  He  died  as  he  had  lived,  cling- 
ing to  the  cross  of  Christ.  The  gospel  he  had  preached  to 
others  was  the  joy  of  his  own  soul,  as  he  walked  through  the 


JOSHUA   L.  BROCKMAN.  295 

dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death.  But  a  short  time  before  his 
death,  upon  being  asked  how  he  was,  he  replied,  "I  feel  no  rap- 
ture, no  ecstacy,  but  a  firm  reliance  on  the  atonement  of  Christ, 
and  a  sweet  assurance  of  my  acceptance  with  God." 

As  a  man,  Elder  Brockman  was  generous,  frank,  sincere,  blame- 
less. Being  possessed  of  a  good  judgment,  and  being  eminently 
prudent,  he  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  all  who  knew  him,  even 
by  those  who  cared  nothing  for  religion.  Never  have  we  known 
a  more  lovely  and  devoted  Christian.  With  him  religion  was  not 
a  mere  matter  of  profession.  He  lived  under  its  abiding  influ- 
ence. He  was  fond  of  calling  himself  "the  slave  of  Christ,"  and 
seemed  ever  watchful  for  an  opportunity  to  do  something  for  his 
Master.  When  his  voice  had  failed,  and  he  could  no  longer 
speak  for  Jesus,  he  would  write  to  one  and  another,  inviting  them 
to  the  Saviour.  By  distributing  tracts,  circulating  religious  peri- 
odicals, aud  in  many  other  ways,  he  sought,  as  he  had  opportunity, 
to  do  good  to  all  men. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  characterized  by  great  earnestness,  fer- 
vor of  feeling,  and  heavenly  unction.  His  sermons  were  carefully 
arranged,  and  highly  evangelical.  His  all-absorbing  desire 
seemed  to  be  to  win  souls  to  Christ.  But  a  few  weeks  before  his 
death,  in  a  letter  to  a  young  minister,  he  says  :  "  Feebly  I  have 
tried  to  study  and  to  preach  the  cross,  but  the  more  I  study  it, 
the  more  I  am  lost  in  love,  wonder,  and  adoration.  I  sometimes 
give  full  vent  to  imagination,  drawing  pictures  and  scenes,  both 
from  nature  and  art,  combining  all  the  elements  of  the  sublime,  in 
order  that  I  may  experience  emotions  of  sublimity ;  but  never 
do  I  have  such  emotions  as  when  contemplating  the  cross  of 
Christ.  As  I  roam  about,  wrapt  in  the  sublime  reveries  of  the 
cross,  almost  involuntarily  I  break  forth  in  lamentations  for  a  voice 
to  preach  the  cross.  Oh  that  I  had  Niagara's  thundering  tones, 
attuned  to  the  utterance  of  the  glories  of  the  cross  !"  It  is  not 
strange,  that  in  so  short  a  time  he  did  so  much.  The  secret  of 
his  success  is  just  this  :  he  fully  consecrated  himself  to  the  great 
work  of  saving  souls.  To  it  he  concentrated  all  his  efforts.  So 
long  as  the  gospel  is  the  "  power  of  God,"  and  the  wisdom  of 
God  unto  the  salvation  of  souls,  such  self-denying  labors  will  be 
crowned  with  abundant  success. 


296  JOHN  GOODALL. 


JOHN    GOODALL. 

WHO  that  has  ever  seen  JOHN  GOODALL,  especially  when 
standing  up  to  proclaim  the  salvation  of  the  gospel,  will  soon 
forget  the  commanding  dignity  of  his  appearance  ?  He  seemed 
only  conscious  of  the  grandeur  of  the  theme  which  it  was  his  to 
exhibit,  and  the  magnitude  of  those  interests  which  were  commit- 
ted to  his  hands.  As  a  saved  sinner,  he  recognized  the  fearful- 
ness  of  that  ruin  to  which  his  fellow-men  were  exposed,  and  with 
an  earnest  heart  betook  himself  to  the  work  of  warning  them  to 
flee  the  wrath  to  come. 

He  was  born  in  the  month  of  April,  1780,  in  James  City 
County,  Virginia.  His  early  youth  was  spent  in  the  City  of 
Williamsburg  and  vicinity.  He  pursued  a  collegiate  course  of 
study  at  William  and  Mary  College,  and  afterwards  read  law  with 
Robert  Saunders,  in  Williamsburg.  About  the  year  1801,  when 
in  his  twenty-first  year,  he  married.  He  seems  not  to  have  suc- 
ceeded in  the  legal  profession,  if,  indeed,  he  ever  actually  entered 
upon  its  practice.  Nor  does  it  appear  that  he  pursued  with 
steadiness  of  aim  any  special  employment.  He  continued  a  man 
of  the  world,  fond  of  its  pleasurable  pursuits,  until  somewhere 
about  the  year  1824,  when  he  became  deeply  and  permanently 
affected  concerning  the  great  interests  of  his  soul.  Previous  to 
this,  his  mind  had  been  temporarily  concerned  in  consequence  of 
solemn  warnings  which  he  had  received  during  the  last  war  with 
Great  Britain.  He  had  entered  the  army,  and  had  distinguished 
himself  by  his  skill  as  a  military  tactician,  and  by  his  fearlessness 
in  time  of  danger.  He  took  part  in  the  exciting  scenes  which 
occurred  in  the  taking  of  Hampton  by  the  British.  During  this 
period,  special  seriousness  was  occasioned  by  what  appeared  to  him 
a  remarkable  preservation  from  death.  We  here  introduce  a  pas- 
sage from  the  pen  of  Rev.  Joseph  Walker,  in  reference  to  the 
early  religious  impressions  of  Elder  Goodall : — 

"  His  conversion  was  quite  remarkable.  He  related  its  antece- 
dent exercises  and  events  to  me  soon  after  he  took  charge  of  the 


JOHN   GOODALL.  297 

Baptist  Church  in  Norfolk,  and  subsequently,  a  second  time,  at 
my  request.  He  was,  as  you  know,  a  major  in  the  army,  and 
when,  in  the  battle  of  Hampton,  a  man  was  shot  dead  at  his  side, 
a  thought  on  the  suddenness  of  the  man's  transfer  from  time  into 
eternity  thrilled  through  his  soul.  When  the  order  for  retreat 
was  given,  his  drummer  asked  permission  to  throw  away  his  drum, 
that  he  might  run  the  faster.  '  No,'  said  Major  Goodall ;  '  fling 
it  over  your  shoulder;  it  will  save  your  life.'  Scarcely  had  the 
drummer  done  so,  before  a  spent  musket-ball  struck  the  drum, 
passed  through  one  side,  and  was  arrested  by  the  other.  Goodall 
often  thought  of  these  two  events  with  some  concern  for  himself, 
but  they  wrought  no  perceptible  change  in  his  feelings. 

"At  a  future  period,  however,  an  event  occurred  which  was  the 
instrumental  cause,  under  God,  of  changing  both  his  heart  and 
life.  He  was  in  an  open  boat,  on  York  River,  not  far  from  its 
broad  mouth.  A  dreadful  storm  overturned  his  boat,  and  left 
him  clinging  to  its  sides.  On,  on  went  the  boat  toward  Chesa- 
peake Bay,  leaving  him  no  hope  of  relief.  Ahead  was  a  narrow 
strip  of  land.  '  Oh !'  said  he,  '  that  I  could  be  thrown  upon 
that !'  But  nothing  short  of  an  interposition  of  Providence 
could  favor  his  wish.  The  channel  was  some  distance  from  its 
point,  and  the  waves  were  dashing  him  onward  with  resistless  fury. 
By  a  sudden  gust  of  wind,  or  some  unknown  cause,  he  was  thrown 
on  that  point  of  land.  He  lay  there  in  the  sand  for  some  time  as 
one  dead.  He  rose  a  new  man.  The  Spirit  had  used  this  nar- 
row escape  to  complete  the  convictions  which  the  events  in  the 
battle  of  Hampton  had  begun.  His  resolution  was  taken.  He 
was  a  believer  in  Christ,  and  soon  after  followed  him  in  bap- 
tism." 

This  event  occurred  on  the  first  day  of  October,  1826.  In  con- 
nection with  the  Union  Church,  Gloucester  County,  of  which 
Elder  Henry  Mourning  was  pastor,  an  immense  assemblage  had 
gathered  to  witness  the  baptism  of  Major  Goodall.  Many  were 
filled  with  surprise  that  this  man  of  the  world,  who  had  probably 
withstood  all  religious  influences,  should  now  be  ready  meekly  to 
acknowledge  the  reign  of  Christ,  and  to  place  himself  under  it. 
It  was  a  solemn  occasion.  The  candidate  looking  over  the 
crowd,  in  distinct  tones  related  the  leading  exercises  of  his  mind, 


298  JOHN  GOODALL. 

and  gave  a  reason  for  the  hope  that  was  in  him.  He  was  then 
baptized  by  the  pastor. 

Soon  after  this,  in  a  social  meeting,  Mr.  Goodall  began  to  ex- 
hort the  people  to  give  heed  to  their  spiritual  concerns.  He 
removed  to  York  County,  and  commenced  a  school,  and  while 
there,  found  numerous  opportunities  of  exercising  his  gift.  The 
people  listened  with  the  deepest  interest  to  the  words  which 
dropped  from  his  mouth,  and  all  his  brethren  were  convinced  that 
God  had  verily  called  him  to  the  higher  duties  of  the  ministry. 
They  pressed  upon  him  the  propriety  of  giving  himself  wholly  to 
this  work.  But  while  he  was  willing  to  shrink  from  no  duty,  he 
desired  to  examine  well  the  grounds  of  the  obligation.  Continu- 
ing, as  opportunity  offered,  to  speak  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  he  yet 
deferred  a  full  entrance  upon  the  responsibilities  of  the  ministerial 
office. 

At  length  the  path  of  duty  was  made  plain  to  him.  Two  import- 
ant churches  of  the  lower  country,  Bethell  and  Hampton,  were  at 
this  time  destitute.  The  providence  of  God  seemed  to  point  to 
him  as  a  suitable  supply.  They  gave  him  a  unanimous  call,  which, 
after  serious  and  prayerful  consideration,  was  accepted.  In  the 
month  of  October,  1828,  Elders  R.  B.  C.  Ho  well  and  David  M. 
Woodson  attended  as  a  Presbytery,  and  he  was  solemnly  set  apart 
as  an  ordained  minister,  and  as  the  pastor  of  the  above-named 
churches. 

In  this  position  our  brother  commenced  a  career  of  usefulness 
in  the  ministry  of  reconciliation,  which  terminated  only  with 
death.  The  field  he  occupied  was  in  many  respects  an  interesting 
one.  All  those  to  whom  he  was  to  communicate  in  spiritual 
things,  had  known  him  in  the  days  of  his  sinful  indulgence.  They 
had  seen  the  wonderful  change  wrought  in  him.  It  was  enough 
to  know  that  John  Goodall  had  avowed  this  renovation  of  cha- 
racter. They  believed  him  incapable  of  duplicity,  and  gladly  lis- 
tened for  the  reasons  which  impelled  him  to  be  a  follower  of 
Christ.  Besides,  his  whole  manner  and  bearing  in  the  pulpit  were 
well  adapted  to  create  interest  in  his  behalf.  He  was  a  bold,  fear- 
less, and  earnest  advocate  of  the  truth.  Crowds  attended  his 
ministry. 

Nor  was  the  influence  exercised  by  Elder  Goodall  vain.     His 


JOHN   GOODALL.  299 

location  iu  that  field  was  the  beginning  of  a  prosperous  condition 
of  things.  The  house  of  worship  in  Hampton,  an  old  frame 
building,  with  only  one  window  having  glass  lights,  and  seats 
without  backs,  was  displaced  by  a  more  comfortable  building. 
Everything  assumed  a  new  aspect.  The  number  of  the  church 
was  increased,  and  the  entire  membership  roused  to  new  and  more 
united  activity.  The  same  may  be  said  respecting  his  labors  in 
connection  with  Bethell  Church  and  the  vicinity.  He  was  soon 
recognized  as  one  of  the  strongest  men  of  the  lower  country  and 
of  the  Dover  Association.  One  of  our  most  excellent  and  judi- 
cious brethren,  who  knew  him  well,  observed  :  "  Concerning  that 
great  and  good  man,  I  may  say  that  few  have  stood  higher  in  all 
tide-water  Virginia  than  he.  In  fact,  I  believe  no  one,  in  the 
estimation  of  many  Baptists  now  living,  equaled  him.  Not  long 
since,  I  heard  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  pay  what  he  con- 
sidered the  highest  compliment  to  a  sermon  just  delivered,  by  say- 
ing, I  have  not  heard  such  a  sermon  since  the  days  of  John 
Goodall." 

He  continued  this  connection  until  the  year  1835.  A  revival 
of  religion  had  a  year  or  two  previous  been  enjoyed  in  Hampton, 
and  much  strength  had  been  added  to  the  church.  When  Dr. 
Howell  removed  from  the  Cumberland  Street  Church,  Norfolk,  to 
Nashville,  in  1834,  a  call  was  extended  to  Elder  Goodall  to  be- 
come his  successor.  He  concluded  to  remove  to  Norfolk,  and 
assume  the  new  pastorate,  but  his  stay  in  that  city  was  of  short 
continuance.  He  preferred  a  less  public  position,  and  upon  the 
urgent  entreaty  of  the  Hampton  Church,  determined  to  return  to 
his  former  field  at  the  expiration  of  one  year.  Such  was  the 
interest  felt  in  him,  that  some  of  the  leading  members  of  the 
Hampton  Church  united  in  purchasing  a  small  farm,  which  was 
gratefully  accepted  by  him.  Here  he  expected  to  settle  for  life. 
But  how  little  can  man  foresee  the  future  !  The  church  was  soon 
destined  to  lose  his  services  forever. 

When  the  strange  decision  of  the  American  Bible  Society,  to 
withhold  funds  from  Baptist  missionaries,  was  made  known,  our 
churches  in  all  parts  of  the  land,  with  almost  unanimous  voice, 
determined  to  withdraw,  and  to  engage  alone  in  the  work  of  Bible 
distribution.  The  Virginia  and  Foreign  Baptist  Bible  Society 


300  JOHN   GOODALL. 

was  at  this  time  formed,  and  Elder  Goodall  was  called  to  conduct 
the  enterprise,  as  general  agent  of  the  Society.  He  accordingly 
resigned  his  care  of  the  church  in  Hampton,  in  1837,  and  entered 
upon  this  new  work.  A  large  success  was  realized.  Much  was 
owing  to  the  almost  universal  favor  which  the  cause  received,  but 
something  also  to  the  eloquent  pleadings  of  the  agent.  The  first 
year,  between  four  and  five  thousand  dollars  were  secured  in  cash 
and  good  pledges. 

During  this  agency,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  became  well  and 
favorably  known  to  the  Baptists  of  Virginia.  Everywhere  he 
created  the  impression,  not  only  of  indomitable  energy  and  ex- 
alted talents,  but  of  warm-hearted  piety.  He  left  no  lawful 
means  untried  to  convince  the  people  of  the  necessity  of  pure 
Bible  translations,  and  of  united  action  in  giving  the  gospel  to 
the  heathen.  In  one  of  his  letters,  he  says  : — 

"  Since  our  anniversaries,  I  have  passed  through  a  line  of  ap- 
pointments from  the  Chesapeake  to  the  banks  of  the  Ohio.  My 
object  in  visiting  these' Western  churches,  was  to  give  information 
respecting  our  foreign  Bible  and  missionary  movements.  Permit 
me  to  say  to  my  beloved  brethren  in  the  ministry,  and  to  the  Bap- 
tist Churches,  the  heathen  world  calls :  Give  us  the  living  oracles ; 
give  us  the  books  of  the  one  God ;  give  us  the  truth,  the  whole 
truth,  in  our  own  language." 

As  already  intimated,  he  not  only  evinced  interest  in  that  par- 
ticular line  of  benevolence  which  he  was  pursuing,  but  in  every 
object  that  related  to  the  spread  of  evangelic  truth  and  the  sal- 
vation of  men,  at  home  and  abroad.  Addressing  his  brethren, 
on  the  duty  of  giving  the  gospel  to  the  heathen,  he  says : — 

"  In  our  last  reports,  we  have  much  cause  for  gratitude  and  en- 
couragement ;  but  let  us  not  be  deceived  into  the  opinion  that  a 
tenth,  or  a  hundredth,  or  a  thousandth  part  of  what  is  attainable, 
has  already  been  attained.  Onward  !  the  Saviour  bids  us  on- 
ward !  Let  the  saints  bestir  themselves  like  angels,  and  the 
ministers  of  God  'be  flames  of  fire.'  We  have  just  begun  to  see 
and  to  feel  what  devolves  upon  us.  The  zeal  and  enterprise  of 
others  tell  us  it  is  no  time  to  loiter  or  recline  at  ease.  The  signal 
events  of  the  age  bid  us  up  and  be  doing.  From  the  Atlantic  to 
the  deep  forests  of  the  West,  the  startling  cry  is  heard,  'A. wake, 


JOHN   GOODALL.  301 

thou  that  sleepest !'  Africa  utters  her  groans,  and  spreads  out 
her  hands,  beseeching  us.  Asia  points  to  the  whitening  bones  of 
her  deluded  pilgrims,  to  the  temporal  woes  of  idolatry  and  super- 
stition, to  her  millions  plunging  into  the  abyss  of  a  dark  eternity, 
and  implores  us.  Europe,  with  all  her  proud  attainments,  opens 
her  fields  of  destitution,  and  urges  us  onward.  Oh  let  there  be  a 
going-forth,  from  the  high  places  of  Zion,  all  that  is  elevated  in 
thought,  and  bold  in  enterprise,  and  self-denying  in  piety,  for  the 
waking  up  of  this  poor  drowsy  world  with  the  sword  of  the  Spirit 
in  the  one  hand,  and  the  commission  of  the  King  in  the  other  1 
Let  our  march  be  onward,  until  every  system  of  error  be  over- 
thrown, and  the  earth  be  filled  with  the  glory  of  the  Son  of 
God." 

It  was  in  the  prosecution  of  this  sublime  work,  the  extension 
of  his  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  heathen  lands,  that  the  message  of 
death  found  him.  His  Divine  Master  called  him  to  his  own  im- 
mediate presence,  though  we  scarcely  knew  how  he  could  be 
spared  from  his  earthly  field.  His  departure  was  sudden,  but  it 
was  not  without  preparation.  The  agency  work  involves  so  much 
care  and  solicitude,  that  to  one  engaged  in  it  there  is  serious 
danger  of  neglecting  the  cultivation  of  personal  piety.  This 
danger  Goodall  successfully  resisted.  His  was  a  daily  life  of 
faith.  Habitual  communion  with  God  was  held.  All  who  saw 
and  knew  him  felt  that  the  assimilating  power  of  intercourse 
with  his  Heavenly  Father  revealed  itself. 

He  fell  in  the  field  of  battle  with  his  armor  on.  It  was  not  his 
to  enjoy  the  soothing  influence  of  his  loved  family  in  the  closing 
scene  of  life.  But  nowhere,  away  from  his  own  home,  could  he 
have  been  more  tenderly  cared  for  than  among  the  brethren  who 
ministered  to  him  during  the  days  of  sickness  and  death.  It  will, 
perhaps,  best  furn'.sh  the  incidents  of  that  eventful  period,  to 
record  the  letter  written  at  the  time  by  Elder  P.  P.  Smith,  then 
pastor  of  the  Fork  Church,  in  Fluvanna  County.  It  is  addressed 
to  the  Religious  Herald  : — 

"  It  becomes  my  painful  duty  to  inform  you  and  the  brethren 
at  large,  that  our  beloved  brother,  John  Goodall,  is  no  more; 
he  was  called  from  his  laborious  work  in  the  vineyard  of  his 

VOL.  ii.  26 


302  JOHN  GOODALL. 

Master  to  that  reward  which  awaits  all  the  faithful  servants  of 
God. 

"  He  arrived  at  the  house  of  Brother  William  Snead,  in  Flu- 
vanna,  on  the  ninth  of  May,  in  usual  health,  but  had  traveled  the 
two  preceding  days  in  the  rain.  On  Sunday,  the  tenth,  his  ap- 
pointment was  at  the  Brick  Meeting-house  in  the  immediate  neigh- 
borhood of  Brother  Snead's ;  on  Sunday  morning  he  rose  in 
usual  health,  and  breakfasted  as  hearty  as  usual.  Shortly  after 
breakfast  he  began  to  complain,  and  in  less  than  thirty  minutes 
was  taken  with  an  ague,  which  lasted  upwards  of  an  hour;  and 
in  the  course  of  the  day  he  had  another,  but  of  shorter  duration ; 
a  high  fever  followed.  Notwithstanding  the  violence  of  the 
attack,  he  was  unwilling  to  have  medical  aid,  until  Tuesday 
morning,  when  Dr.  Geo.  P.  Holman  (a  physician  deservedly  of 
high  repute,  for  skill  and  talents  in  his  profession,)  was  called  in; 
he  at  once  pronounced  it  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  of  high  grade. 
His  skill  and  medicines  were  applied  in  vain.  The  disease  moved 
onward  to  its  termination.  Several  physicians  visited  him  during 
his  illness,  and  Dr.  Holman  remained  with  him  almost  constantly, 
day  and  night.  He  had  every  attention  of  the  physician,  the  dear 
family  where  he  was  sick,  and  kind  brethren,  but  all  in  vain.  On 
the  evening  of  the  twenty-third,  at  fifteen  minutes  past  eight  o'clock, 
he  breathed  his  last. 

"I  will  here  say,  for  the  consolation  of  his  bereaved  relations 
and  brethren,  'that  we  should  not  sorrow  as  those  who  have  no 
hope,' for  during  his  illness  (which  lasted  fourteen  days)  I  never 
witnessed  a  parallel  instance  of  patience  and  Christian  resignation. 
To  use  his  own  words:  'I  willingly  submit  to  the  will  of  my 
Master.  If  my  work  is  done,  I  shall  not  stay  here  to  suffer — if 
it  is  not,  I  shall  recover  to  finish  it. '  In  view  of  his  approaching 
dissolution,  he  said :  '  I  have  not  a  cloud  or  fear  on  my  mind  as 
to  dying — I  want  to  see  my  Master.'  He  was  strong  in  faith, 
giving  glory  to  God.  He  asked  the  brethren  to  sing  that  good 

old  song, 

'Jerusalem  !  my  happy  home !'  etc. ; 

and  while  they  were  singing,  his  soul  was  so  full  of  heaven  that 
it  seemed  as  if  his  diseased  body  was  scarcely  able  to  keep  him 
from  flying  away  to  be  at  rest. 


JOHN   GOODALL.  303 

"He  remained  in  his  perfect  senses  during  his  sickness,  and 
would  frequently  exhort  those  around  him  to  prepare  to  meet  their 
God ;  among  the  rest,  his  kind  physician,  who  rendered  all  the 
aid  he  could,  gratuitously. 

"  He  had  committed  to  writing  certain  things  he  wished  done, 
and  among  the  rest  appointed  Dr.  Henry  Shield,  of  York  County, 
his  executor.  He  has  delivered  into  my  hands  the  money  col- 
lected by  him  for  different  benevolent  purposes,  with  a  request  that 
I  shall  pay  it  over  to  the  treasurers  of  the  diiferent  societies  for 
which  it  was  collected,  at  the  June  meeting. 

"  Some  few  days  before  his  death,  old  Sister  Payne,  living  within 
one  mile  of  where  he  was  sick,  sent  a  servant  (she  being  sick  her- 
self) requesting  him  to  be  buried  in  her  graveyard,  which  is  well 
inclosed  with  a  stone  wall.  He  returned  his  thanks  to  the  old 
sister,  saying,  '  Tell  her  I  accept  her  offer. ' 

"  Here  is  rather  a  singular  circumstance  :  On  the  same  night 
he  died,  Sister  Payne  died  also,  and  they  were  both  carried  to  the 
same  graveyard.  The  yard  where  we  deposited  his  remains  is 
within  a  few  yards  of  the  main  road  leading  from  Richmond,  via 
Columbia  to  Scottville ;  six  miles  above  Columbia,  and  four 
miles  below  Winnsville,  and  is  so  situated  that  the  traveler,  in 
riding  the  road,  can  see  it. 

"  He  requested  that  I  should  preach  a  sermon  relative  to  his 
death,  at  the  Brick  Meeting-house,  Fluyanna  County,  on  my 
regular  monthly  meeting  day,  which  will  be  the  second  Sunday  in 
June.  I  have  sketched  these  few  things  connected  with  the  death 
of  that  distinguished  servant  of  Grod  for  public  information  ;  but 
the  church  in  this  place  requests  some  relation  or  brother  to  fur- 
nish a  short  biography  of  his  life  and  labors." 

The  tidings  of  Brother  Goodall's  death  deeply  affected  all 
hearts  within  the  limits  of  the  Fork  Church.  Many  found  an 
opportunity  to  witness  his  strong  faith  and  assured  hope,  upon 
the  bed  of  death.  They  saw  him  without  dismay  go  down  into 
the  dark  valley,  and  they  heard  him  say,  as  he  was  receding  from 
their  view  :  "  I  have  not  a  cloud  or  fear  on  my  mind — I  want  to 
see  ray  Master."  We  may  well  imagine  the  effect.  A  deep 
religious  seriousness  pervaded  the  neighborhood.  On  the  day  of 
the  funeral,  when,  by  request  of  the  deceased,  Rev.  P.  P.  Smith 


304  JOHN  GOODALL. 

delivered  an  appropriate  discourse  on  2  Timothy,  iv.  6,  7,  8,  an 
immense  assemblage  had  gathered  together.  But  before  the 
solemn  service  commenced,  the  ordinance  of  baptism  was  adminis- 
tered. Said  the  pastor,  referring  to  the  circumstance  :  "  Before 
we  came  to  the  meeting,  we  assembled  at  a  place  where  there  was 
ranch  water,  and  administered  the  solemn  ordinance  of  baptism  to 
twenty-eight  persons.  Yesterday  I  immersed  three,  and  there  is 
yet  a  great  number  inquiring  what  they  must  do  to  be  saved. 
Brother  GoodaWs  death  was  the  exciting  cause.  One  of  the 
young  men  received  yesterday,  dated  his  impressions  to  the  dying 
words  and  looks  of  that  man  of  God." 

A  similar  effect  was  produced  in  other  places.  Great  lamenta- 
tion was  made  on  account  of  the  vacuum  produced  by  his  death, 
in  various  parts  of  the  State.  Especially  was  deep  feeling  enter- 
tained in  the  regions  where  his  pastoral  life  had  been  spent.  The 
Hampton  Church  recorded  on  their  church-book  an  expression 
of  their  high  regard.  They  say,  "  We  loved  him  as  a  father  loveth 
his  own  children.  Connected  as  he  was  with  us  for  more  than  eleven 
years,  the  greater  part  of  which  he  acted  as  our  pastor,  we  cannot 
but  deplore  this  afflicting  dispensation  of  Divine  Providence. 
But  it  becomes  us  to  bow  with  submission  and  deep  humility, 
as  we  feel  well  assured  our  brother  has  finished  his  course  with 

joy-" 

The  Fork  Church,  of  Fluvanna  County,  where  he  breathed  his 
last,  directed  a  monument,  with  suitable  inscription,  to  be  erected 
over  his  grave.  Many  a  passing  traveler  will  turn  aside,  and 
drop  a  tear  over  the  spot  where  lies  all  that  was  mortal  of  this 
loved  and  honored  man. 

In  sketching  his  character,  and  referring  to  his  doctrinal  views, 
we  gladly  avail  ourselves  of  the  testimony  of  Brother  Joseph 
Walker,  who  knew  him  well.  He  says  : — 

"His  doctrinal  views  were  in  harmony  with  those  of  sound 
Baptists  generally.  He  relied  exclusively  on  the  operation  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  on  the  human  soul  to  renovate  and  change  the  affec- 
tions of  man's  spiritual  nature,  and  yet  his  urgency  on  sinners  to 
repent,  and  on  believing  penitents  to  be  baptized,  often  led  both 
the  Methodists  and  the  Campbellites  to  claim  him.  But  he  was 
world-wide  from  either.  I  was  with  him  on  several  occasions 


JOHN  GOODALL.  305 

when  be  came  in  direct  conflict  with  Campbellism  and  never  have 
I  witnessed  such  triumphant  oral  refutations  of  that  soul-bewilder- 
ing heresy.  He  would  admit  all  they  claimed  for  baptism,  except, 
as  they  held,  its  regenerating  efficacy,  and  then  by  scriptural 
proofs,  cogent  arguments,  striking  illustrations,  and  a  rare  but 
resistless  eloquence,  scatter  their  theory  to  the  winds.  It  was  a 
frequent  remark  of  his,  that  the  best  way  to  conquer  Campbellism 
was  to  fight  it  in  the  water." 

An  attempt  has  been  made,  since  his  death,  to  produce  the  im- 
pression that  he  affiliated  in  heart  with  the  new  system,  entitled 
the  "Reformation."  As  intimated  above,  this  could  not  be  sus- 
tained by  anything  which  occurred  during  his  life,  or  at  his 
death.  He  was  a  decided  Baptist.  It  was  his  custom  to  urge 
immediate  compliance  with  the  command  of  Christ,  in  reference 
to  baptism,  on  all  believers.  But,  as  to  the  design  of  baptism,  he 
held  and  constantly  taught  the  views  entertained  by  the  Baptist 
churches  of  the  land. 

Such  was  the  disposition  of  some  to  claim  him,  after  his  death, 
as  an  adherent  of  the  Reformation,  that  several  witnesses  ap- 
peared in  the  public  prints  to  testify  on  the  subject.  Said  one  of 
our  brethren  in  the  ministry,  Elder  Joseph  Rock : — 

"  Was  our  lamented  Goodall  a  Campbellite  ?  Who  can  present 
a  single  item  of  evidence  to  establish  the  claim  which  these 
people,  now  that  he  is  dead,  set  up  for  him  ?  I  was  intimately 
acquainted  with  him,  and  heard  him  preach  much,  particularly 
during  the  last  of  his  labors,  and  I  was  never  able  to  detect  a 
sign  of  Campbellism  in  him.  He  was  a  BAPTIST,  and  what  I 
should  like  to  see  in  every  Baptist.  Goodall  a  Campbellite !  a 
Campbellite  in  disguise  !  No,  sir ;  never,  never !  The  idea  is  pre- 
posterous to  every  one  who  knew  his  real  character. 

"But  my  object  is  to  state  one  or  two  facts  in  connection  with 
this  subject.  When  passing  through  this  neighborhood  on  one 
occasion,  he  embraced  an  opportunity  to  converse  on  the  subject 
with  a  young  lady,  whether  a  Campbellite  or  Thomasite,  I  hardly 
know,  but  she  is  a  'Reformer;'  and,  in  conclusion,  he  told  her 
kindly,  she  seemed  somewhat  to  understand  the  truth,  but  that 
she  was  disposed  to  'put  the  cart  before  the  horse,'  and,  said  he, 
'it  won't  do,  my  daughter ;  it  won't  do.  The  system  of  salvation 

VOL.  n. — u  2fi  * 


306  JOHN   GOODALL. 

is  a  complete  and  beautiful  arrangement,  but  such  a  notion  changes 
and  destroys  the  whole.' 

"  Again,  I  remember  to  have  been  with  him  at  Mr.  Isham  Ball's, 
Powhatan  County,  where  we  spent  the  night  of  July  eighteenth ; 
(I  refer  to  his  appointments  published  in  the  Herald  ;)  and  in  an- 
swer to  some  questions  put  by  one  of  the  company,  in  substance, 
if  not  verbatim,  he  replied :  '  I  have  no  doubt  there  are  many 
pious  Christians  among  this  people,  but  I  believe  the  system  of 
Campbellism  to  be  a  system  of  infidelity;  and  so  as  to  the 
Thomasites,  I  believe  they  are  all  infidels. '  This  I  heard  with 
my  own  ears,  distinctly  remember,  and  have  frequently  told  it." 

Another  remark.  "In  looking  over  the  Christian  Publisher, 
my  eyes  fell  on  the  article,  'We  walk  by  faith,  not  by  sight.* 
While  perusing  those  remarks  in  reference  to  that  man  of  God, 
Elder  Goodall,  they  caused  my  heart  to  swell  with  the  fondest 
recollections,  as  they  brought  vividly  before  me  him  whose  memory 
is  very  dear  to  me ;  but  I  was  chilled  when  I  read  a  little  farther, 
and  saw  that  this  writer  dealt  unjustly  with  the  character  of  the 
dead.  This  sentence  I  cannot  understand — 'He  was  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  necessity  of  reformation,  and  had  access  to 
thousands  that  could  be  approached  by  none  other.'  If  Mr. 
Coleman  means  that  he  remained  among  the  Baptists  because  he 
could  have  access  to  thousands  whom  he  could  not  reach  among 
the  Reformers,  it  is  a  gross  misrepresentation  of  the  sincere  and 
plain-dealing  character  of  this  man.  I  have  known  him  intimately 
for  the  last  eight  years  of  his  life,  and  on  the  subject  of  the  Re- 
formation, particularly,  have  I  conversed  and  corresponded  with 
him.  I  think  not  more  than  three  weeks  before  his  death,  I 
asked  him  why  he  refused,  on  one  occasion,  to  break  bread  with 
them  ?  His  reply  was,  as  a  body,  he  did  not  consider  them  Chris- 
tians— there  were  some  individuals  with  whom  he  could  willingly 
commune,  but  as  a  body,  he  could  not.  He  did  preach  reforma- 
tion truly  and  powerfully,  but  not  the  reformation  of  which  Mr. 
Coleman  speaks." 

Still  another  individual  observes  :  "  I  am  constrained  for  once, 
and  I  trust  it  shall  be  for  once  only,  to  contradict  a  report  current 
among  us,  that  Brother  Goodall  was  inclined,  either  in  view  or 
practice,  to  fraternize  with  the  'sect'  calling  themselves  'disci- 


JOHN   GOODALL.  307 

pies.'  Such  a  report  has  been  rumored,  both  in  the  public 
papers  and  by  private  gossip.  It  has  been  stated,  and  it  is  fre- 
quently repeated,  that  there  was  but  a  shade  of  difference  between 
the  views  of  Brother  Goodall  and  those  entertained  by  the  '  dis- 
ples. '  Such  assertions  are  bold  enough  ;  and  say  but  little  for 
the  man  whose  memory  the  people  of  this  region  delight  to  honor. 
It  is  consoling,  however,  to  know  that  mere  assertions  have  no 
importance,  and  in  reference  to  Elder  Goodall  have  not  been  sus- 
tained by  evidence.  From  the  intimate  acquaintance  I  had  with 
that  servant  of  God,  I  am  enabled  to  call  up  a  few  reminiscences, 
which  I  hope  will  place  him  before  the  public  in  his  true  cha- 
racter. 

"He  was  my  pastor  during  a  twelvemonth.  I  was  licensed 
under  his  ministry.  I  had  frequent  conversations  with  him  on 
this  same  heart-chilling,  soul-bewildering  subject  of  Campbellism, 
but  never  was  the  impression  left  on  my  mind,  that  he  coalesced  in 
views  with  the  'Reformers.'  On  the  contrary,  I  several  times 
heard  him  combat  the  doctrine  of  baptismal  regeneration  in  the 
midst  of  its  advocates.  No  'disciple'  dreamed  of  claiming  him 
then,  for  the  reason  that  he  could  answer  for  himself.  Wherefore 
attempt  it  now  ?" 

As  already  intimated,  the  personal  appearance  of  Elder  Good- 
all,  when  in  the  full  exercise  of  his  power  in  the  pulpit,  was  much 
in  his  favor.  And  yet  such  was  the  unassuming  simplicity  of  his 
manner,  that  ere  he  became  animated  by  his  subject,  not  very  high 
anticipations  would  be  formed.  Brother  Walker  remarks,  con- 
cerning him  : — 

"Of  his  general  character  and  history,  you  know  more  than  I 
do ;  but  I  may,  perhaps,  name  some  characteristic  peculiarities, 
which  you  might  not  be  able  to  obtain  from  any  other  source. 

"  His  manner  in  the  pulpit  was  that  of  stern  dignity.  With  a 
tall  person,  broad  shoulders,  long  arms,  and  a  military  presence, 
he  never  failed  to  command  respect ;  and  yet  I  have  often  had  occa- 
sion to  notice  that  his  appearance  did  not  excite  high  expectations 
of  preaching  power  in  the  minds  of  those  who  saw  him  for  the  first 
time.  Hence  the  surprise  excited  by  the  development  of  his  ora- 
torical performances  added  somewhat  to  his  deserved  popularity 
as  a  preacher. 


308  JOHN  GOODALL. 

"An  occurrence  in  Western  Virginia,  which  was  related  to  me 
by  one  of  the  parties,  will  illustrate  the  truth  of  the  above 
remark.  A  large  congregation  had  met  on  an  associational  oc- 
casion. Three  preachers  had  been  appointed  for  the  Sabbath,  to 
preach  successively  without  dismissing  the  assembly.  Goodall 
was  there  as  the  agent  of  the  Bible  Society,  but  an  entire  stranger. 
The  long  ride  through  the  mountains  had  left  its  desolating  influ- 
ence on  his  wardrobe,  and  the  nervous  trembling  of  his  head, 
which  ceased  not  day  nor  night,  gave  him  the  appearance,  before 
those  robust  mountaineers,  of  a  very  infirm  old  man.  The  commit- 
tee on  preaching  had  had  some  doubt  about  appointing  him  at  all, 
since  it  was  of  the  first  importance  that  a  good  impression  be  made 
on  the  public ;  but  as  they  had  two  brethren  in  reserve,  in  whose  dic- 
tionaries the  word  fail  was  not  to  be  found,  they  appointed  Goodall, 
in  connection  with  these  brethren,  as  a  compliment  to  a  stranger, 
the  order  of  preaching  to  be  arranged  by  the  three  appointees.  The 
two  brethren  withdrew  to  consult.  One  of  them  could  occupy  an 
hour  on  any  subject,  with  a  rapid,  agreeable  utterance ;  and  the 
other  had  great  powers  of  pathos.  Both  of  them  were  regarded 
as  good  preachers,  and  they  knew  it.  The  question,  for  decision 
was,  the  place  in  the  order  of  sermons  for  Goodall.  They  at 
length  concluded  that  as  his  stock  of  ideas  must  soon  be  ex- 
hausted, and  the  physical  man  could  not  long  hold  up  at  open-air 
preaching,  they  would  allow  him  to  lead  off,  that  they  might 
retrieve  the  expected  failure. 

"  Goodall  opened  his  Bible — one  that  he  carried  with  him — 
before  an  immense  congregation.  He  read  various  portions  in  a 
solemn,  measured  style,  interspersing  the  reading  with  comments 
about  the  'MASTER.'  The  people  had  never  heard  such  reading 
before  in  those  wild  regions,  and  they  began  to  regard  the  stranger 
with  more  interest.  At  the  close  of  the  first  prayer,  scores  of 
them  were  brushing  away  unbidden  tears.  Under  these  circum- 
stances, a  sermon  began  on  John  iii.  5,  which  lasted  for  two 
hours,  and  it  is  talked  of  to  this  day.  The  two  brethren  ap- 
pointed to  follow  him  had  no  occasion  to  preach.  One,  perhaps, 
attempted  an  exhortation.  The  name  of  Goodall  in  that  region 
has  become  a  household  word,  though  I  do  not  know  that  he  ever 
preached  there  afterwards." 


JOHN   GOODALL.  399 

The  interesting  reminiscence  referred  to  by  Brother  "Walker, 
prepares  us  to  notice  the  fact,  that  in  all  matters  pertaining  to 
his  duty  as  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  he  suffered  not  himself  to 
be  moved  by  fear  or  affection.  In  some  instances,  he  appeared 
to  be  stern,  especially  in  his  treatment  of  Pedobaptists.  He  did 
not  deny  their  piety,  but  deemed  it  his  duty  to  express  his  disap- 
proval of  their  course,  in  the  most  distinct  manner.  And  yet  he 
suffered  his  own  brethren  in  the  Baptist  ministry,  and  in  Baptist 
churches,  to  entertain  their  own  views,  and  to  pursue  their  own 
course  in  this  matter,  without  any  breach  of  fellowship  or  of  kindly 
feeling.  He  well  knew  that  the  entire  body  of  the  churches  were 
restricted,  in  their  communion  at  the  Lord's  table,  with  those  only 
who  had  been  buried  with  Christ  by  baptism.  On  this  subject, 
Brother  Walker  thus  writes : — 

"  He  was  what  many  would  call  an  extreme  man.  Some  would 
have  called  him  uncharitable.  He  would  not  ask  a  Pedobaptist 
into  the  pulpit  with  him.  On  one  occasion,  soon  after  he  had 
entered  the  pulpit,  a  minister  of  the  Methodist  persuasion  entered 
the  house.  One  of  the  deacons  slipped  up  the  pulpit-stairs,  and 

said :  'Brother  Goodall,  Mr.  is  in  the  house.'  'Well,'  said 

the  pastor,  'let  him  remain.' 

"  He  would  not  address  a  Pedobaptist  as  brother,  nor  allow  any 
one  of  them  to  address  him  in  that  way.  A  very  good  Metho- 
dist,- (an  officer  in  the  Norfolk  market,)  who  was  very  fond  of 
hearing  him  preach,  said,  one  morning,  '  Good  morning,  Brother 
Goodall !'  The  latter  looked  at  him  kindly,  but  said :  '  Do  not 
call  me  brother,  till  you  have  obeyed  your  Master.' 

"  He  would  not  marry  a  Baptist  to  any  person  but  a  Baptist. 
He  would  perform  the  ceremony  for  two  Presbyterians,  Episco- 
palians, Catholics,  or  Methodists ;  or  he  would  marry  parties  of 
different  Pedobaptist  denominations,  or  any  one  of  these  to  an 
unconverted  party ;  but  he  would  not  officiate  in  cases  where  Bap- 
tists were  to  unite  with  Pedobaptists  or  the  world. 

"  I  remember  a  case  in  point.  A  young  man  was  engaged  to  a 
young  lady  who  was  a  member  of  Brother  Goodall's  Church.  He 
applied  to  the  pastor  to  unite  them  in  wedlock.  'Are  you  a  Chris- 
tian ?'  said  the  pastor.  'Why,  yes,  I  am  in  sentiment,  though  I 
have  never  united  myself  with  any  church.'  'I  can  not  perform 


310  JOHN  GOODALL. 

the   ceremony,  my  young  friend.'     The   parties   went   over  to 
Portsmouth,  and  were  married  by  Rev.  T.  Hume. 

"  But  I  know  how  and  when  these  views  took  possession  of 
his  mind.  They  were  imbibed  and  adopted  through  impressions 
made  by  the  following  occurrences  : — 

"Soon  after  he  was  settled  in  Norfolk,  he  united  in  wedlock  a 
Baptist  minister  of  over  sixty  years  of  age  to  a  young  lady  of 
about  eighteen.  In  about  a  month  after  their  marriage,  the  old 
man  brought  her  to  the  city,  decked  off  in  a  rich  profusion  of 
silks,  ribbons,  and  jewels.  Goodall,  after  meeting,  said  to  a 
friend :  '  Did  you  see  that  old  man  ?  If  the  Lord  will  forgive 
me  this  wrong,  I  will  never  marry  a  Baptist  to  an  unbeliever 
again.'  And  he  never  did.  Whatever  may  be  said  of  his  ultra- 
isms,  I  am  sure  that  he  was  sincere." 

In  closing  this  sketch,  we  may  say  that  few  men  have  more  com- 
mended themselves  to  the  affectionate  regards  of  the  brotherhood, 
or  to  the  respect  of  the  community  at  large.  His  disposition 
was  amiable  and  gentle,  and  those  who  best  knew  him  could  form 
the  highest  appreciation  of  his  character.  With  more  than  ordi- 
nary grasp  of  mind,  and  of  fluent  speech,  he  was  eminently  quali- 
fied to  sway  the  feelings  of  those  whom  he  addressed.  He  wrote 
but  little,  on  account  of  an  affection  of  the  wrist,  which  rendered 
its  use  painful.  On  one  occasion,  when  on  Lord's  day,  at  the 
meeting  of  the  Dover  Association,  he  had  delivered  a  discourse 
of  unusual  power,  affecting  all  minds,  he  was  induced  to  promise 
its  preparation  for  the  press.  But  it  never  appeared.  Apologiz- 
ing afterwards,  he  said :  "  Never  having  written  a  sermon,  and 
without  such  notes  as  promise  to  guide  me,  I  find  it  impossible,  in 
the  absence  of  that  spirit-stirring  influence  which  a  waiting  con- 
gregation exerts  upon  the  mind  of  a  public  speaker,  to  regather 
my  thoughts  upon  that  subject  in  a  way  to  meet  their  wishes." 

He  was  an  Apollos,  "  an  eloquent  man,  and  mighty  in  the 
Scriptures."  And  yet,  never  was  any  man  more  humble  and  un- 
pretending. At  large  denominational  meetings,  he  seemed  little 
inclined  to  mingle  in  debate,  but  rather  to  retire  from  observation. 
If  others  were  aware  of  his  power,  he  seemed  to  know  it  not. 
He  was  always  serious  and  thoughtful,  yet  never  gloomy.  In 
rrore  familiar  intercourse  with  his  brethren,  though  not  inclined 


WILLIAM   DUNCAN.  yil 

to  levity,  he  was  communicative  and  cheerful.  Concerning  his 
character,  and  the  strong  affection  entertained  for  him,  Brother 
Walker  thus  freely  expresses  himself: — 

"  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  pre-eminently  devotional  and 
persevering  in  his  ministerial  duties.  He  was  consistent  in  his 
conduct,  both  in  the  church  and  before  the  world.  He  had  but 
little  to  say  on  any  subject  but  that  of  Christianity.  His  great 
theme  was  Christ,  and  he  could  introduce  it  without  offence  in 
almost  any  company,  and  interest  even  unbelievers  by  his  sincerity 
and  earnestness.  In  the  pulpit,  he  was  logical,  forcible,  and  fre- 
quently very  eloquent." 

Brother  Goodall  was  twice  married,  and  left  three  children, 
two  of  whom  were  daughters,  by  his  second  wife ;  the  other,  a 
son,  by  his  first  marriage.  This  son  has,  since  his  father's  death, 
become  pious,  and  entered  the  Christian  ministry. 


WILLIAM  DUNCAN. 

WILLIAM  DUNCAN  was  a  man  of  no  ordinary  talent  and  influ- 
ence. He  occupied  a  large  place  in  the  regards  of  his  brethren 
in  the  Albemarle  Association  for  more  than  thirty  years,  and  for 
a  period  of  sixteen  years  in  the  State  of  Missouri.  His  memory 
is  precious  to  the  churches,  and  it  must  not  be  suffered  to  pass 
into  forgetfulness.  The  permanent  record  we  here  propose  to 
make,  is  as  grateful  to  the  author  as  it  is  just  to  him  and  to  the 
churches  and  denomination  which  for  so  many  years  he  faithfully 
served. 

Elder  Duncan  was  born  in  the  County  of  Amherst,  near  Pedlar 
Mills,  in  the  year  1716.  His  parents,  Rev.  John  and  Sarah  T. 
Duncan,  were  highly  respectable  residents  of  that  county.  Con- 
cerning his  early  life  nothing  has  been  ascertained,  excepting  that 
in  his  nineteenth  or  twentieth  year  he  became  the  subject  of  re- 
ligious influence,  and  upon  a  profession  of  faith  in  Christ  united 
with  the  church.  At  once  he  entered  upon  the  work  of  the  minis- 


312  WILLIAM  DUNCAN. 

try.  He  was  soon  recognized  as  a  young  man  giving  promise 
of  usefulness,  and  was  invited  to  the  care  of  Maple  Creek,  now 
New  Prospect  Church,  and  Mount  Moriah,  formerly  Buffalo 
Church,  and,  in  the  course  of  a  few  years,  of  Mount  Edd  and 
Ebenezer.  These  churches  were  all  in  Amherst  County,  but  a 
subsequent  division  of  counties  made  some  change  in  their 
position. 

Elder  Duncan  served  these  churches  with  fidelity  and  eminent 
success,  until  his  removal  from  Virginia.  Large  numbers  were 
brought  into  the  fold  of  Christ  through  his  instrumentality,  so 
that  his  churches  were  the  largest  and  most  influential  in  the 
Association.  The  church  at  Neriah,  in  Rockbridge  County,  was 
raised  up  through  his  instrumentality,  and  he  continued  to  be 
their  pastor  until  he  left  Virginia. 

It  is  said,  that  "  though  he  served  these  churches  faithfully  and 
zealously,  he  never  demanded  remuneration  for  his  services,  nor 
is  it  known  that  he  ever  received  any."  In  this  he  was  doubtless 
wrong.  The  excuse  for  it  is,  that,  in  common  with  all  the  older 
ministers,  a  testimony  was  necessarily  borne  against  an  ungodly 
hireling  ministry,  and  the  extreme  of  failing  to  press  upon  the 
churches  the  duty  of  ministerial  support  was  allowed.  It  would 
have  been  proper  for  him  so  to  act  that  none  could  charge  him 
with  sinister  or  selfish  motives,  while  all  the  revealed  will  of  God 
on  this  subject  should  be  faithfully  urged.  His  churches  were 
well  able  to  supply  his  temporal  necessities,  and  it  would,  doubt- 
less, have  contributed  to  their  spiritual  profit,  if  they  had  thus 
given  fruit  which  should  abound  to  their  account.  It  is  manifest 
that  his  failure  to  receive  compensation  for  services  rendered  did 
not  originate  in  any  conscientious  scruple,  as  he  afterwards,  while 
in  Missouri,  was  engaged  as  a  domestic  missionary. 

In  the  latter  part  of  1830  he  resigned  the  care  of  all  the 
churches  he  served  in  Virginia,  for  the  purpose  of  removing  to 
the  West.  He  emigrated  with  his  family  to  Calaway  County, 
Missouri.  His  new  field  was  entered  with  a  solemn  purpose  to 
work  for  God,  and  here  he  faithfully  pursued  his  ministerial  work 
for  eight  years.  He  then  removed  to  Boon  County,  where  he 
served  five  churches,  acting  part  of  the  time  as  domestic  mission- 
ary, thus  filling  up  his  time  in  the  ministry  until  the  close  of  life. 


WILLIAM  DUNCAN.  313 

He  died  in  the  last-named  county,  in  the  year  1846,  being  in  his 
seventieth  year.  His  death  was  deeply  and  generally  lamented. 
His  several  churches  clad  their  several  pulpits  in  mourning,  in 
token  of  their  estimation  of  his  character  as  a  Christian  and  his 
efficiency  as  a  pastor. 

Thus  this  man  of  God  served  his  generation  by  the  will  of  God. 
Half  a  century  of  earnest,  zealous  devotion  to  his  Redeemer's 
glory  and  to  the  good  of  the  perishing,  had  been  given.  As 
illustrative  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him,  he  was,  for  many 
years,  elected  Moderator  of  the  Albemarle  Association,  and  seemed 
in  all  its  sessions  a  leading  spirit,  filling  various  delegations  and 
being  placed  on  committees  of  importance.  . 

The  views  of  Elder  Duncan  were  enlarged  and  liberal.  He 
sought  to  imbue  the  minds  of  his  Christian  brethren  with  the 
spirit  of  the  gospel,  and  longed  to  see  the  principle  of  love  per- 
vading all  the  churches.  On  one  occasion,  he  thus  writes :  "Bar- 
renness of  soul  and  backwardness  in  duty  originate  in  a  want  of 
love.  Were  believers  in  Christ  to  love  him,  and  one  another,  as 
they  should,  these  complaints  would  not  be  so  common,  and  many 
difficulties  would  be  removed,  which  otherwise  we  experience. 
Look  at  the  humble,  pious  Christian ;  behold  him  leaning  upon 
his  God,  relying  on  the  promises,  living  up  to  his  privilege,  an- 
ticipating with  joy  the  day  when  his  soul  should  leave  this  cumbrous 
clay,  and  its  arrival  in  heaven  be  hailed  by  God,  the  Judge  of  all, 
and  by  the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born !  He 
much  delights  in  their  company  and  conversation.  This  principle 
of  love  creates  a  longing  anxiety  for  the  salvation  of  all  his  bre- 
thren. He  is  ready  to  communicate  to  the  poor ;  the  widow  and 
orphans  are  objects  of  his  concern.  His  heart  is  ready  to  bleed 
for  the  suifering  condition  of  poor  sinners.  In  a  moment  his 
mind  is  carried  to  the  heathen  nations  of  the  earth :  and  this 
heavenly  passion  of  love  would  immediately  embrace  them  all, 
pointing  them  to  a  Saviour's  blood." 

Referring  still  to  the  influence  of  love,  as  it  will  swell  and  sway 
the  hearts  of  the  saved  in  heaven,  he  remarks:  "Heavenly  bliss 
will  consist  in  the  exercise  of  love — supreme  love  to  God;  and 
if  so,  the  more  we  have  done  for  him,  the  more  our  hearts  will  be 
filled  with  joy  at  the  remembrance  of  it.  The  same  principle  that 

VOL.  ir.  27 


314  WILLIAM    DUNCAN. 

makes  us  rejoice  in  bis  service  here,  will  hereafter  make  us  rejoiee 
that  we  have  served  him ;  and  as  love  here  makes  us  glory  iu 
tribulation,  if  God  be  but  honored,  so  then  it  will  make  us  re- 
joice that  we  were  counted  worthy  to  suffer  shame  for  his  name's 
sake.  It  is  thus  our  present  light  afflictions  work  for  us  a  far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  All  this  supposes 
that  unless  we  had  all  equally  labored  and  suffered  for  God  in  this 
world,  we  could  not  equally  enjoy  him  in  the  next. 

"When  we  hear  a  Thornton,  a  Howard,  a  Rogers,  a  Wickliffe, 
or  a  Paul  acknowledge,  'by  the  grace  of  God,  I  am  what  I  am,' 
there  is  a  thousand  times  more  meaning  in  the  expression,  and  a 
thousand  times  more  glory  redounds  to  God,  than  in  the  utter- 
ance of  the  same  words  by  some  men,  even  though  they  be  believers 
in  Christ.  The  Apostle  of  the  Gentiles  speaks  of  those  to  whom 
he  had  been  made  useful,  as  such  as  would  be  made  his  joy  and 
crown  in  another  day.  But  if  there  were  not  different  degrees  of 
glory  in  a  future  state,  every  one  that  enters  the  kingdom  of 
heaven,  yea,  every  infant  caught  thither  from  the  womb  or 
breast,  must  possess  the  same  joyful  recollections  of  its  labors 
as  the  Apostle  Paul.  The  stating  of  such  a  proposition  is  to 
refute  it." 

But  lest  it  might  be  supposed  this  view  of  the  subject  was  op- 
posed to  the  doctrine  of  salvation  by  grace,  he  says  :  "  If  the  doc- 
trine of  rewards  implied  the  notion  of  merit  or  desert,  the  incon- 
sistency of  the  one  without  the  other  would  be  manifest. 

"In  the  first  place,  rewards  contain  nothing  inconsistent  with 
the  doctrines  of  grace ;  because  those  very  works  which  it  pleaseth 
God  to  honor  are  the  effects  of  his  own  operation.  He  rewards 
the  works  of  which  he  is  the  author  and  proper  cause.  He  who 
ordained  peace  for  us,  hath  wrought  all  our  works  for  us. 

"  Secondly.  All  rewards  to  a  guilty  creature  have  respect  to 
the  mediation  of  Christ.  Through  the  intimate  union  which 
exists  between  Christ  and  believers,  they  are  not  only  accepted  in 
him,  but  what  they  do  is  accepted  and  rewarded  for  his  sake. 
The  Lord  had  respect  to  Abel  and  his  offering;  and  we  are  said 
to  offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices,  acceptable  to  God  through  Jesus 
Christ.  Hence,  I  couceive,  there  is  no  religious  service  so  small 


WILLIAM    DUNCAN.  315 

but  what  God  will  reward  it.     A  cup  of  cold  water  given  to  a 
disciple,  for  Christ's  sake,  will  secure  a  disciple's  reward. 

"Thirdly.  God's  graciously  connecting  blessings  with  the  obe- 
dience of  his  people  serves  to  show  not  only  his  love  for  Christ, 
and  to  them,  but  his  regard  for  righteousness.  His  love  to  us 
induces  him  to  bless  us,  and  his  love  for  righteousness  induces 
him  to  bless  us  in  this  particular  more.  An  affectionate  parent 
designs  to  confer  a  number  of  favors  on  his  child,  and  in  the  end 
to  bequeath  him  a  rich  inheritance.  He  designs  also  to  have  his 
mind  suitably  prepared  for  the  proper  enjoyment  of  these  benefits, 
and,  therefore,  in  the  course  of  his  education  he  studiously  confers 
his  favors  by  way  of  encouragement.  As  rewards  for  acts  of  filial 
duty,  he  gives  him  a  new  garment  for  this,  and  a  watch  for  that ; 
for  his  attention  to  the  flocks  and  herds,  he  shall  have  a  sheep  or 
cow,  which  he  shall  call  his  own ;  and  for  his  assiduity  in  tilling 
the  soil,  he  shall  have  the  product  of  a  particular  field.  It  is  easy 
to  perceive,  in  this  case,  that  his  father  does  not  concede  these 
things  as  properly  the  child's  due,  upon  a  footing  of  equity;  but 
to  manifest  his  approbation  of  filial  obedience.  Thus  our 
Heavenly  Father  gives  grace  and  glory.  Thus  it  is  that  finding 
is  connected  with  seeking,  and  crowns  of  glory  with  overcoming. 
It  is  thus,  as  well  as  by  the  atonement  of  Christ,  that  grace  reigns 
through  righteousness  unto  eternal  life.  Those  who  at  the  last 
day  shall  be  saved,  will  be  sufficiently  convinced  that  it  is  all  of 
grace,  and  that  they  have  no  room  for  glorying  but  in  the  Lord. 
While,  on  the  other  hand,  the  moral  government  of  God  will  be 
honored — the  equity  of  his  proceedings  manifested  —  and  the 
mouths  of  ungodly  sinners  stopped ;  even  when  the  Judge  de- 
clares in  the  face  of  the  universe,  concerning  the  righteous, 
'These  shall  walk  with  me  in  light,  for  they  are  worthy.' " 


310  SAMUEL  C.  CLOPTON. 


SAMUEL    C.  CLOPTON. 

EVERYTHING  connected  with  the  being  of  man  is  wrapped  in 
mystery.  That  he  should  exist  at  all  is  mysterious.  All  the 
events  of  his  history  are  wonderful ;  and,  when  he  passes  away, 
all  seems  more  like  a  dream  than  reality.  We  are  accustomed  to 
contemplate  many  of  the  dispensations  of  Providence  in  relation 
to  human  beings  with  astonishment,  and  sometimes  with  a  mea- 
sure of  skepticism.  When  we  see  the  tender  infant  writhing  in 
agony,  or  the  father,  who  is  the  prop  and  support  of  a  numerous 
and  helpless  family,  cut  off,  or  the  old  man  in  helpless  decrepitude 
and  dotage  lingering  year  after  year,  a  burden  to  himself  and  to 
all  around  him,  we  are  prone  to  yield  to  a  species  of  infidelity, 
and  to  say,  "  How  doth  God  know  ?  and  is  there  knowledge  in  the 
Most  High  ?" 

Such  would  be  the  inquiry  of  the  unbelieving  heart,  in  noting 
the  brief  career  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Why  should  he  not  be 
spared  ?  With  a  cultivated  mind,  and  a  heart  consecrated  to  the 
glory  of  his  Maker,  in  the  full  vigor  of  youthful  manhood,  and 
passing  to  a  heathen  land,  to  live  and  labor  there ;  why  should  not 
he  be  spared  ?  But  all  such  inquiries  are  the  results  of  a  blind  in- 
credulity. Is  not  God  wiser  than  man  ?  To  say  that  these  things 
are  mysterious,  is  only  saying  that  we  cannot  see  as  far  as  the 
Omniscient  One.  In  the  day  when  the  page  of  Providence  shall 
be  unrolled,  it  may  be  seen  that  the  early  removal  of  our  be- 
loved brother  was  designed  to  subserve  some  grand  and  gracious 
design. 

SAMUEL  C.  CLOPTON  was  the  third  son  of  Elder  James  Clop- 
ton,  of  New  Kent  County,  Virginia.  In  that  county  he  was  born 
January  Tth,  1816.  His  early  life  was  passed  under  circum- 
stances favorable  to  the  formation  and  development  of  a  noble 
character.  Away  from  the  scenes  of  dissipation,  in  a  quiet  rural 
district,  among  an  industrious  people,  himself  brought  up  in 
habits  of  industry,  he  was  happily  ignorant  of  those  temptations 
to  eyil  which  have  so  fatally  ensnared  thousands  of  the  young. 


SAMUEL  C.  CLOPTON.  317 

Above  all,  from  earliest  childhood  he  had  been  accustomed  to 
attend  the  house  of  God,  ami  to  hear  from  the  lips  of  his  father 
the  great  salvation  proclaimed.  And  then,  how  often  had  he 
bent  the  knee,  when  a  child,  in  his  father's  family !  The  home 
influences  were  adapted  to  promote  habits  of  thoughtfulness.  He 
seems  in  early  life  to  have  been  the  subject  of  seriousness,  and 
often  to  have  sought  God  in  prayer. 

In  the  year  1833,  when  he  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  he 
became  the  subject  of  conversion,  and  united  with  the  Emmaus 
Church,  of  which  his  father  was  pastor.  It  was  the  privilege  of 
the  writer  to  baptize  him.  He  little  thought  he  was  baptizing  a 
future  minister  and  missionary.  The  scene  was  solemn  and  im- 
pressive. Young  Clopton  came  forth  to  live  a  new  life,  survey- 
ing his  responsibilities  as  he  had  never  before  beheld  them.  He 
gave  himself  first  to  the  Lord,  and  then  to  the  Lord's  people. 

It  was  not  until  the  year  1839  that  he  began  to  cherish  any 
settled  purpose  of  speaking  in  the  name  of  Christ  to  his  fellow- 
men.  He  had  in  1838,  for  his  own  improvement,  he  said,  com- 
menced a  diary.  In  this  we  find  an  entry  as  follows:  "Sunday, 
May  12th,  1839.  Having  read  five  chapters  in  the  Testament,  and 
a  chapter  in  Josephus,  I  went  to  Sunday-school,  and  taught  until 
eleven  o'clock,  at  which  time  we  engaged  in  a  prayer-meeting.  Being 
called  upon  to  lead  in  prayer,  I  did  so;  and  after  awhile,  being 
requested  to  give  a  word  of  exhortation,  I  tried  to  do  it;  but 
it  being  the  first  time  I  ever  attempted  to  do  such  a  thing,  I  felt 
a  little  agitated  at  first.  If  I  did  wrong,  0  Lord,  forgive  all." 

From  time  to  time  opportunities  of  addressing  his  fellow-men 
in  exhortation  were  embraced.  In  March,  1842,  he  says,  in  his 
journal:  "Have  had  a  clearer  view  of  the  plan  of  salvation  thau 
ever  before.  How  I  love  to  think  of  the  position  my  Saviour 
took  on  behalf  of  a  lost  world  !  I  could  submit  a  thousand  souls, 
if  I  had  them,  in  his  hands.  When  I  view  the  plan  of  salvation 
as  it  is,  I  want  to  be  explaining  it  to  my  fellow-men."  The  next 
month  he  writes :  "Heard  Brother  Taylor  preach,  and  saw  him 
and  Brother  Jeter  baptize  thirteen  persons.  Had  some  conver- 
sation with  Brother  R.  on  the  subject  of  preaching. " 

His  first  attempt  at  preaching  was  on  Sunday,  the  10th  of  July, 
at  Charles  City  Church,  in  the  same  house  where  his  father's  first 

27* 


318  SAMUEL  C.  CLOPTON. 

sermon  was  delivered.  Immediately  after,  he  attended  a  pro- 
tracted meeting  at  Emmaus  Church,  where,  every  day,  he  spoke 
in  public.  "Happy,  happy  time  !"  he  records.  He  seems  thus  to 
have  relieved  his  mind  of  a  burden  which  had  been  pressing  him 
down,  and  from  this  time  continued  to  preach  as  opportunity 
allowed. 

Having  become  thus  interested,  and,  in  a  measure,  determined 
on  the  question  of  entrance  into  the  ministry,  he  the  more  sought 
a  thorough  mental  training.  His  scholastic  opportunities  had 
been  favorable.  In  several  schools  in  the  neighborhood  the  days 
of  boybood  had  been  spent — two  years  were  passed  at  Richmond 
College,  and  two  at  Columbian  College,  and  now  he  determined 
to  connect  himself  with  the  Newton  Theological  School,  Massa- 
chusetts. Two  years  were  passed  at  this  institution. 

Before  his  entrance  upon  a  theological  course,  he  was  for  some 
time  employed  as  a  tutor  at  Richmond  College.  Here  full  scope 
wus  given  to  the  exercise  of  his  gifts  as  a  licentiate,  and  fre- 
quently, in  the  vicinity  of  the  college,  he  preached  on  Lord's  day. 
Here,  too,  he  seems  to  have  made  large  acquisitions  in  spiritual 
things.  A  deeper  insight  into  his  own  heart  and  his  spiritual 
necessities  seems  also  to  have  been  secured. 

About  this  period  he  adopted  the  plan  of  pursuing  a  voluntary 
colportage  work,  purchasing  on  his  own  account  books  and  tracts, 
for  gratuitous  distribution.  This  he  continued  as  long  as  he  re- 
mained in  this  country. 

Under  date  of  November  20,  he  writes  :  "  I  have  enjoyed  the 
presence  of  my  Master  much  more  than  for  several  weeks.  Feel 
a  great  desire  for  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  Christ.  Have 
been  much  concerned  for  the  salvation  of  my  oldest  brother.  I 
have  four  sisters  and  three  brothers — all  members  of  the  church, 
excepting  him.  Wrote  to  him  again  the  past  week,  on  the  subject 
of  his  soul's  salvation;  have  sent  him  two  tracts,  'Eternity,'  aud 
'Leslie's  Short  Method;'  the  Lord  bless  them  to  his  conversion. 
Procured  two  thousand  three  hundred  and  thirty-six  pages  of 
tracts,  which  I  have  been  giving  to  the  students  and  others." 

At  various  times  he  refers  to  his  endeavors  in  the  distribution 
of  tracts.  He  says,  on  one  occasion,  "  Wherever  I  am,  or  what- 
ever I  do,  I  will  o.ulj.vvor  to  do  good.  What  an  awfully  solemn 


SAMUEL  C.  CLOPTON.  319 

thing  it  is  to  live,  seeing  that  something  I  say  or  do  may  be  the 
means  of  saving  or  destroying  a  soul!" 

During  his  stay  at  the  theological  school,  he  found  various  op- 
portunities of  preaching  the  gospel.  He  seemed  interested  in 
this  work,  as  one  to  which  he  desired  to  devote  his  life. 

Having  left  Xewton  and  returned  home,  he  made  it  a  subject  of 
daily  inquiry,  whether  it  might  not  be  the  will  of  God  to  devote 
himself  to  the  supply  of  some  destitute  part  of  his  native  State. 
While  pondering  this  question,  the  attention  of  his  brethren  was 
directed  to  him  as  one  well  qualified  to  enter  the  foreign  mission- 
ary service.  The  foreign  mission  board  of  the  Southern  Baptist 
Convention  had  just  been  organized.  They  had  looked  with 
anxious  heart  for  suitable  men  to  go  out  on  their  behalf,  and  fixing 
their  eye  on  him,  determined  to  invite  him,  and  another  young 
brother  of  kindred  feelings,  to  enter  the  foreign  field. 

A  new  and  solemn  question  was  now  to  be  decided.  He  seemed 
to  be  sensible  of  the  fearful  responsibilities  involved  in  the  work, 
and  earnestly  desired  to  reach  a  decision  which  might  please  his 
Divine  Master.  The  writer  well  remembers  the  continual  solici- 
tude which  the  investigation  gave  him.  By  day  and  night  it  con- 
stantly pressed  upon  his  heart.  At  length  he  considered  it  a  call 
of  God.  He  could  not  resist  the  claim.  After  consulting  his 
most  judicious  -friends,  and  especially  his  Heavenly  Father,  he 
determined  to  offer  himself  to  the  board. 

On  the  first  of  September,  1845,  he  received  an  appointment 
of  the  foreign  mission  board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention, 
as  its  first  missionary  to  China.  A  short  time  subsequently,  his 
classmate  and  intimate  friend  and  Christian  brother,  Rev.  George 
Pearcy,  was  also  selected  to  accompany  him  to  the  same  field.  We 
find  the  following  entry  in  his  journal :  "  How  little  did  I  think,  in 
all  my  course,  that  the  Lord  was  raising  me  up  for  such  a  work  as 
this !  I  had  hoped,  in  process  of  time,  to  be  prepared  for  places 
of  usefulness,  but  I  did  not  expect  that  the  Lord  would  call  me  to 
a  work  so  important.  Who  is  sufficient  for  such  a  work  ?  Tho 
Lord  strengthen  and  help  me,  and  make  me  useful." 

On  the  whole  subject  of  his  consecration  to  the  missionary  work 
he  had  given  serious,  anxious,  prayerful  thought,  and  now  that 
the  question  was  decided,  he  was  cheerful  and  happy,  manifestly 


320  SAMUEL  C.  CLOPTON. 

growing  in  spirituality  of  character,  and  more  fitted  to  be  an  am- 
bassador for  Christ  to  the  heathen.  He  and  his  associate  had 
been  required  by  the  board  to  defer  their  departure  until  the 
following  spring,  and  his  time  was  now  given  to  maturing  his 
studies,  and  otherwise  arranging  for  leaving  the  country. 

He  had  formed  an  acquaintance  with  Miss  Keziah  Turpin, 
daughter  of  Elder  Miles  Turpin,  and  finding  her  a  kindred  spirit, 
in  reference  to  the  missionary  work,  they  were  married  on  Tues- 
day, the  14th  of  April,  1846. 

The  arrangements  for  his  departure  having  all  been  made  during 
the  June  anniversaries,  in  1846,  he,  with  his  companion,  and  Rev. 
George  Pearcy  and  wife,  were  solemnly  set  apart,  before  a  large 
assembly  in  the  meeting-house  of  the  Second  Baptist  Church, 
Richmond.  On  the  following  day  they  left  Richmond  for  Xe\v 
York,  and  on  the  22d  of  June  they  sailed  from  that  port  in  the 
splendid  ship  "Cahota."  The  writer  was  present  on  that  occa- 
sion. It  was  gratifying  to  witness  the  firmness  and  readiness  with 
which  young  Clopton  surrendered  all  the  joys  of  home,  to  leave 
for  a  distant  heathen  land.  He  felt  the  pang  of  separation.  But 
the  strong  sense  of  duty  to  God  triumphed  over  the  claims  of  this 
world,  and  all  fleshly  desires.  Writing  to  his  parents,  he  says : 
"  So  you  ask  me  how  I  feel,  in  view  of  my  departure. to  a  heathen 
land  ?  I  can  only  say,  I  am  cheerful.  I  am  satisfied  that  in  His 
strength  I  can  undertake  and  suffer  anything.  I  cannot  be  other- 
wise, so  long  as  I  believe  the  Saviour  wishes  me  to  go.  Let  Jesus 
command,  and  I  delight  to  obey.  I  know  there  are  privileges  to 
give  up,  and  labors  to  perform,  and  sufferings  to  endure,  but  they 
are  as  nothing,  when  compared  with  all  the  privations  and  suffer- 
ings of  Christ  for  me.  And  further,  I  cannot  but  be  ready  to  go, 
when  there  are  so  many  millions  of  the  human  race,  my  own 
fellow-men,  dying  without  the  gospel,  and  while  the  last  great 
command  of  the  Saviour,  '  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach  the 
gospel,'  remains  unfulfilled." 

Upon  his  arrival  in  China,  this  young  missionary  commenced 
the  study  of  the  language  with  lively  interest.  His  observation 
of  heathenism,  in  all  its  revolting  details,  served  only  to  deepen 
the  conviction  of  the  necessity  of  the  gospel  to  bring  these  mil- 
lions to  the  experience  of  salvation.  His  letters  breath^  a  spirit 


SAMUEL  C.  CLOPTON.  321 

of  earnest  devotion  to  the  glory  of  his  Divine  Master.  He  longed 
to  become  the  means  of  leading  the  idolaters  by  whom  he  was 
surrounded  to  abandon  their  superstitions,  and  yield  to  God,  their 
rightful  Sovereign.  His  brethren  in  this  land  were  beginning  to 
entertain  large  expectations,  through  his  agency. 

Writing  to  the  author,  he  says  :  "  Do  help  me  to  thank  the  Lord 
for  any  progress  he  is  permitting  me  to  make  in  this  strange  lan- 
guage. Oh  that  he  would  vouchsafe  his  blessing,  and  speak  unto 
this  heathen  people  all  the  words  of  eternal  life." 

Again,  he  says  :  "  I  had  often  thought  this  to  be  a  great  field 
of  usefulness,  before  coming  here,  but  I  have  to  say,  the  one  half 
had  not  been  told  me.  What  a  mighty  wilderness  !  What  a  moral 
waste  !  I  look  upon  it  with  amazement  and  pity ;  and  in  view  of 
all  the  difficulties  in  the  way,  I  am  almost  compelled  to  exclaim 
with  the  prophet  in  his  vision,  '  Can  these  dry  bones  live  ?  Come, 
0  thou  Spirit  of  the  Holy  One,  breathe  upon  these  slain,  that 
they  may  live.' 

Thus  had  he  commenced,  and  thus  was  he  prosecuting  his  great 
work.  It  pleased  God,  however,  to  deny  to  him  the  privilege 
he  coveted,  and  to  disappoint  the  expectations  of  his  many 
friends  concerning  him.  He  was  not  permitted  long  to  occupy 
his  new  field.  Within  a  few  months  after  his  arrival  in  Canton, 
he  sickened  and  died.  His  malady  was  of  short  continuance,  re- 
sisting all  the  usual  appliances  and  remedies.  The  period  of  his 
dismission  had  come.  But  he  was  not  unprepared  for  the  summons. 

About  a  week  after  his  sickness  commenced,  and  two  days 
before  his  death,  he  said  to  his  wife  :  'I  trust  in  my  Saviour, 
and  love  him  more  than  ever."  The  Saviour  was  indeed  near 
to  him.  The  eye  of  faith  discovered,  as  never  before,  his  exceed- 
ing beauty  and  fullness.  "I  would  like,"  he  added,  "to  live 
longer,  for  your  sake  and  the  little  boy's ;  and  I  would  like  to 
preach  the  gospel  to  these  dying  heathen,  but  I  am  resigned  to 
ray  Saviour's  will ;  if  he  calls  me,  I  am  ready  to  go.  Live  near 
to  God." 

Thus  he  passed  away  on  the  7th  of  July,  1847.  "  So  sudden 
and  unexpected  was  the  event,"  says  Mr.  Pearcy,  "we  can 
scarcely  realize  that  he  is  gone.  But  every  thing  tells  us  that  he 
lias  indeed  left  us.  In  the  social  circle  and  at  the  family  altar 

VOL.  II. — V 


322  JOSEPH   BAKER. 

we  hear  not  that  voice  with  which  we  were  so  delighted  to  mingle 
ours.  His  seat  is  vacant  at  the  table ;  his  study,  now  still  and 
lonely.  Our  teachers  and  the  disciples  come  in,  and  mournfully 
say,  '  Clopton  the  teacher  has  quickly  ascended  to  heaven.'  All 
around  are  sad.  Sister  Clopton's  heart  is  bleeding,  and  we  are 
all  bowed  down  as  one  that  mourneth  for  his  mother." 

In  this  little  tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  first-appointed  mis- 
sionary of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention  to  the  great  Empire 
of  China,  it  is  not  our  liberty  to  enlarge  as  we  might.  Space 
will  not  allow.  The  board,  and  all  who  knew  him,  rejoiced  in 
the  assurance  that  he  had  gone  to  dwell  with  that  Saviour  who 
loved  him  better  than  they,  and  who  was  able  to  supply  the 
vacuum  created  by  his  death. 

The  widow  returned  with  her  only  son  to  this  country.  She, 
too,  has  since  gone  to  the  spirit-world.  May  the  surviving  son 
be  raised  up  to  love  the  Saviour  whom  his  father  loved. 


JOSEPH    BAKER. 

JOSEPH  BAKER  has  been  long  and  favorably  known  as  one  of 
the  most  active  ministers  of  the  Ketockton  and  Columbia  Asso- 
ciations. Nearly  thirty-three  years  ago,  we  remember  to  have 
met  him,  and  ever  since  it  has  been  a  pleasure  to  recognize  him 
as  a  brother,  faithful  in  the  Lord.  We  have  received  from  his 
bereaved  widow  some  of  the  reminiscences  of  his  life,  and  a  tri- 
bute of  affection  to  his  memory,  which,  with  little  change,  are 
hereby  presented. 

Elder  Joseph  Baker  was  born  March,  1T99.  He  lived  with  his 
father,  and  worked  on  the  farm,  until  he  was  sixteen  years  of 
age.  About  this  time  he  professed  religion,  and  was  baptized  at 
Waterlick,  August  25th,  1816,  by  Elder  Samuel  0  Hendron. 
Soon  after,  he  began  to  exhort,  and  his  young  heart  being  full  of 
love  to  God  and  man,  his  thoughts  turned  to  the  ministry  of  re- 
conciliation. His  education,  however,  was  exceedingly  limited, 
and  he  cherishing  an  insatiate  desire  for  knowledge,  he  determined 


JOSEPH  BAKER.  323 

to  make  every  sacrifice  to  secure  the  intellectual  fitness  demanded 
by  the  age  in  which  he  lived.  At  that  day,  but  little  had  been 
done  in  preparing  an  educated  ministry.  Some,  indeed,  frowned 
down  the  effort  to  have  men  mentally  prepared  for  the  arduous 
duties  of  the  pulpit ;  thinking  nothing  necessary  but  the  education 
of  the  heart.  Brother  Baker  felt  differently,  and  consequently  he 
used  every  means  in  his  power  to  secure  not  only  preparation  of 
heart,  but  a  mind  well  stored  with  useful  knowledge,  that  he 
might  labor  for  the  edification  and  instruction  of  the  people. 

By  close  application,  he  became  the  architect  of  his  own  for- 
tune, and  after  life  proved  how  assiduous  he  had  been  to  acquire 
valuable  knowledge.  Many  who  possessed  far  superior  advan- 
tages, had  acquired  less  than  he ;  the  desire  for  usefulness  having 
served  as  a  stimulus  to  diligence  and  perseverance  in  the  course 
of  study  that  he  had  marked  out  for  himself. 

He  was  ordained  March  18th,  1822,  by  Elders  Benjamin  Daw- 
son  and  Thomas  Buck.  The  first  church  that  he  served  as  pastor 
was  Ketockton,  in  Loudon  County,  Virginia.  He  commenced 
his  labors  with  this  church,  the  first  Lord's  day  in  September, 
1823,  aud  continued  his  ministrations  until  the  close  of  1841,  a 
period  of  eighteen  years. 

After  the  death  of  Dr.  Munroe,  he  took  charge  of  the  Buck 
Marsh  Church,  which  he  served  until  his  removal  to  Upperville, 
Fauquier  County,  in  1827.  For  some  years  after,  he  had  the 
pastoral  oversight  of  Frying-pan  and  Fiery-run  Churches.  In 
1834  he  assisted  at  the  constitution  of  North  Fork  Church,  to 
which  he  preached  until  his  removal  to  Winchester.  Settled 
there,  he  was  again  called  to  the  Buck  Marsh  (now  Berryville) 
Church,  as  also  Cedar  Creek  and  Mount  Zion.  Winchester 
Church  was  constituted  by  him  and  Brother  Joseph  H.  Jones,  in 
June,  1844  During  this  year  he  began  to  preach  for  Zoar,  in 
Jefferson  County.  The  two  last  churches  he  served  until  his 
removal  to  Caroline  County,  November,  1855,  when  he  became 
pastor  of  Burrus's  Church. 

From  his  register,  it  appears  that  he  had  during  his  ministry 
preached  5879  sermons,  baptized  999  into  the  fellowship  of  the 
churches  he  served,  and  married  491  persons. 

As  a  teacher  of  youth,  he  was  for  many  years  distinguished. 


324  JOSEPH   BAKER. 

He  commenced  this  work  at  Cedar  Creek,  September  13th,  1819; 
from  thence  he  went  to  Strasburg.  While  there,  he  received  an 
invitation  from  Mr.  Edward  Hughes,  principal  of  the  Charlestown 
Academy,  to  become  his  assistant,  which  he  accepted ;  and  ac- 
cordingly removed  in  1823.  While  here,  he  availed  himself  of 
the  opportunity  to  make  himself  acquainted  with  the  Latin  and 
Greek  languages.  In  1827  he  was  invited  to  take  charge  of  Male 
Academy,  in  Upperville,  Virginia,  which  he  taught  with  much 
success  for  nine  years. 

About  this  time  a  vacancy  occurred  in  the  Winchester  Female 
Academy,  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  Colonel  Smith.  Elder 
Baker  moved  thither,  and  opened  a  female  academy  on  Fort-hill, 
January  4,  1836.  Here  he  continued  teaching  until  July,  1855, 
when  he  determined  to  abandon  teaching,  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
voting himself  more  fully  to  the  preaching  of  the  gospel. 

It  is  an  interesting  fact,  that  during  these  years  Elder  Baker 
educated,  more  or  less  thoroughly,  2559  pupils.  It  was  not 
merely  the  training  of  the  mind  that  interested  him,  as  a  teacher 
of  the  young,  but  also  the  culture  of  the  heart.  He  desired  to 
encourage  his  pupils  to  look  unto  One  who  would  be  a  friend  in 
adversity,  and  who  was  able  to  save  the  soul.  Who  can  estimate 
the  influence  thus  brought  to  bear  upon  these  young  immortals? 

After  thus  spending  the  vigor  of  his  life  in  the  upper  country, 
he  determined,  as  already  stated,  to  change  his  location.  When 
the  time  came  to  carry  out  this  purpose,  in  removing  to  a  new 
field  of  labor,  his  heart  almost  failed  him.  Breaking  away  from  so 
many  ties  that  bound  him  to  this  his  native  county,  became  a  sore 
trial.  Here  it  was  he  had  raised  his  children  ;  here  he  had  esta- 
blished a  church ;  here  he  had  served  for  a  long  period  several 
churches,  many  of  whose  members  he  had  inducted  into  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  gospel.  He  must  now  say  farewell — perhaps  the 
last  in  time !  All  these  things  naturally  preyed  upon  his  mind, 
and,  added  to  a  delicate  constitution,  doubtless  hastened  bis  de- 
parture from  the  scenes  of  earth. 

Little  did  his  friends  in  the  upper  country  think,  when  they 
parted  with  him,  that  it  was  the  last  time  they  should  ever  gaze 
upon  that  face  they  had  so  often  seen.  Little  did  they  imagine 
that  the  "silver  cord  was  so  soon  to  be  loosed,  or  the  golden  bowl 


JOSEPH   BAKER.  325 

so  soon  to  be  broken."  But  so  it  was.  Upon  removing  to  the 
lower  country,  he  assumed  the  pa&torate  of  Burrus's  Church,  at 
Mount  Carmel,  Caroline  County.  His  already  weakened  consti- 
tution soon  gave  way  to  a  change  of  climate,  and  he  fell  at  his  post, 
just  after  he  had  commenced  his  watch-care  of  this  church. 

About  a  week  before  his  death  he  experienced  one  of  the  most 
fearful  assaults  of  Satan ;  his  mind  was  in  darkness  and  distress, 
but  the  Lord  in  whom  he  had  trusted  delivered  him.  He  then 
enjoyed  much  peace  of  mind.  A  few  nights  prior  to  his  de- 
parture he  was  observed  to  pray  most  earnestly  for  his  children. 
It  was  his  last  prayer,  and  remarkable  for  its  fervency,  wrestling 
with  God  in  their  behalf. 

The  day  before  he  was  taken  dangerously  ill,  he  said  to  his  wife 
that  there  was  not  a  cloud  before  him ;  that  he  was  ready  and 
willing  to  go,  whenever  the  Master  called  him.  During  the  night 
he  was  seized  with  a  chill,  which  was  soon  followed  by  congestion 
of  the  brain.  He  lived  twenty-four  hours  in  this  condition,  insen- 
sible to  everything  around  him.  His  work  was  done.  He  passed 
away  about  the  first  of  the  year  1856. 

Elder  Joseph  Baker  was  extensively  known.  His  opportunity 
of  doing  good  was  very  much  increased,  and  he  failed  not  to  im- 
prove it,  in  furtherance  of  the  great  claims  of  Christianity.  Few 
persons  have  accomplished  more  good,  or  overcome  greater  diffi- 
culties in  the  dissemination  of  gospel  principles,  or  have  given 
greater  evidence  of  personal  and  practical  faith  in  the  doctrines 
of  the  Bible. 

He  seemed  to  be  early  impressed  with  the  truth  that  he  was, 
to  some  extent,  his  brother's  keeper.  The  great  business  of  his 
life  was,  to  preach  Christ,  which  was  in  fact  the  theme  that  he 
most  delighted  in,  as  being  the  one  peculiarly  adapted  to  the 
wants  of  sinful  man.  It  was  not  merely  in  the  pulpit  that  he 
was  thus  holding  forth  the  "Word  of  Life.  In  visiting  the  sick, 
comforting  the  distressed,  and  directing  the  penitent  to  the 
cross,  he  imitated  his  blessed  "Master,  who,  when  upon  earth, 
went  about  doing  good."  Wherever  he  went  he  carried  religious 
books  and  tracts,  suited  to  the  various  conditions  of  men,  gratui- 
tously distributing  to  those  he  met. 

Truly  it  may  be  said  of  him,  he  was  no  idle  workman  in  his 

VOL.  n.  28 


326  JOSEPH  BAKER. 

Master's  "nneyard.  A  work  was  assigned  him,  and  he  went  about 
it  in  earnest;  diligent  and  faithful  to  the  trust  committed  to  him. 
In  this,  however,  he  recognized  no  meritorious  efficacy,  for  he  was 
doing  nothing  more  than  his  duty,  and  his  hope  for  a  blissful  eter- 
nity was  based  upon  the  free  unmerited  grace  of  God.  The 
various  benevolent  institutions  of  the  day,  Bible,  tract,  coloniza- 
tion, missionary,  and  temperance  societies,  together  with  the  Sab- 
bath-school, found  in  him  a  warm  advocate  and  devoted  friend. 
While  he  prevailed  upon  others  to  contribute  of  their  means,  he 
likewise  shared  his  own,  in  furtherance  of  these  great  auxiliaries 
of  Christianity. 

In  all  that  he  engaged,  whether  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel  or  as  a 
teacher,  he  seemed  to  be  desirous  of  directing  his  influence  toward 
consummating  the  great  ends  of  the  gospel  in  the  salvation  of 
men.  He  sought  especially,  by  suitable  instruction,  to  prepare 
the  youthful  heart  for  the  reception  of  the  truth.  It  is  a  pleasing 
reflection,  that  he  was  permitted  to  behold  the  fruit  of  his  labors 
in  the  conversion  of  many  souls,  before  his  removal  from  his  home 
on  earth  to  his  home  in  heaven.  Thus  God  owned  and  blessed 
his  instrumentality. 

To  one  who  had  labored  for  so  many  years  in  different  fields, 
to  witness  the  fruit  thereof  in  so  many  hearts  must  have  been 
truly  grateful  and  encouraging,  and  doubtless  caused  him  to  ac- 
knowledge the  grace  of  God  working  through  him.  He  had  to 
contend  with-  opposers,  but  this  only  induced  a  more  implicit  trust 
in  his  Saviour  and  frequent  communings  with  the  Holy  Spirit, 
without  which  all  the  labors  of  God's  servants  would  be  in  vain. 

Although  our  deceased  brother  was  not  as  eloquent  as  some, 
yet  he  was  earnest  and  zealous  in  declaring  the  messages  which 
he  brought  to  his  people.  His  whole  soul  seemed  to  be  full  of 
his  subject,  and  animated  by  the  great  responsibility  of  his  mission, 
and  the  fearful  condition  of  the  impenitent  around  him,  he  would 
launch  forth  in  all  the  fullness  of  his  subject,  forgetful  of  self,  of 
his  own  frail  nature,  and  only  mindful  of  perishing  sinners,  and 
Jesus  Christ  their  only  way  of  escape  "from  the  wrath  to  come." 
How  many  that  have  been  brought  to  seek  the  Saviour,  and  to 
follow  on  to  know  the  Lord  through  his  instrumentality,  is  known 
only  to  the  Omniscient  One !  But  of  this  we  feel  assured,  that 


JOHN   W.  ALVIS.  327 

there  will  be,  in  the  world  to  come,  not  a  few  who  will  look  to 
him  as  the  means,  in  God's  hands,  of  bringing  them  from  "na- 
ture's darkness  into  the  marvelous  light  of  the  gospel." 

Brother  Baker's  amiable  manners,  and  his  sincere  and  un- 
affected piety,  drew  many,  who  became  strongly  attached  to  him. 
Their  hearts  were  often  made  to  rejoice  by  his  happy  exposi- 
tions of  God's  promises  to  his  children.  As  an  experimental 
preacher  he  had  few  equals ;  this  it  was  that  gave  him  such  great 
command  over  the  hearts  of  his  hearers.  Often  the  tear  was  seen 
to  course  its  way  down  the  cheek,  as  he  would  speak  of  the  amaz- 
ing love  of  God  to  a  world  of  rebels,  or  as  he  would  touch  a  cord 
in  the  heart  of  his  Christian  hearers  by  the  rehearsal  of  God's 
dealings  with  him,  in  delivering  him  from  the  tempter's  snare, 
and  vouchsafing  his  grace  in  every  hour  of  need. 

Brother  Baker  will  be  long  remembered  with  affection,  not  only 
by  his  bereaved  widow  and  children,  but  by  a  large  circle  in 
various  parts  of  Virginia. 


JOHN  W.  ALYIS. 

WE  are  supplied  with  the  following  facts  by  a  brother  who  was 
familiar  with  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

JOHN  WOODSON  ALVIS  was  born  in  Goochland  County,  Virgi- 
nia, on  Christmas-day,  in  the  year  1800.  He  received  in  early 
life  nothing  more  than  a  common  school  education.  He  was  in 
the  strength  of  manhood  before  his  heart  was  subordinated  to 
God  in  conversion.  This  important  event  occurred  about  the 
year  1831,  when  he  obtained  clear  and  undoubted  evidence  of  his 
acceptance  with  God. 

Immediately  after  his  conversion,  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  preach 
the  gospel.  He  earnestly  desired  to  honor  Him  who  had  so  re- 
cently spoken  peace  to  his  troubled  soul.  He  soon  after  obtained 
license,  and  began  to  preach.  At  the  call  of  the  Mount  Shiloh 
Church,  in  Xelson  County,  Virginia,  where  he  was  baptized,  his 
ordination  to  the  full  work  of  the  ministry  took  place.  About 


328  JOHN   VV.  ALVIS. 

nine  years  of  his  ministerial  life  were  spent  in  Eastern  Virginia, 
whence  he  removed  with  his  family  to  the  northwestern  part  of 
the  State.  There  he  settled,  and  there  he  continued  to  labor  in 
the  ministry  until  the  close  of  life. 

Although  his  education  was  not,  thorough,  yet  his  mind  us 
well  disciplined  by  reading  and  reflection.  He  was  a  close  ob- 
server of  men  and  things.  His  style  of  preaching  was  plain  and 
simple. 

The  predominant  trait  in  his  character  was  an  abiding,  implicit 
faith  in  the  promises  of  God.  He  sowed  the  seeds  of  truth  with 
a  liberal  hand,  confident  in  the  belief  that  if  he  should  not  be  per- 
mitted to  reap  what  he  had  sown,  others  would  enjoy  that  privi- 
lege. He  remarked :  "A  gospel  sermon  never  was  preached  in 
vain."  God  had  said,  His  word  should  not  return  unto  Him  void, 
and  he  with  all  his  heart  believed  the  declaration  ;  hence  he  was 
never  discouraged  in  his  work,  even  if  he  could  not  at  the  time 
perceive  any  beneficial  results. 

For  a  number  of  years  he  was  in  a  diseased  condition,  and  en- 
dured much  physical  suffering.  During  his  last  illness  he  mani- 
fested the  utmost  patience.  He  never  murmured  ;  if  anything 
like  murmuring  fell  from  his  lips,  he  would  recall  it,  and  would 
sometimes  say,  while  suffering  severely,  that  God  gave  him  just  as 
much  strength  as  he  ought  to  have. 

When  near  the  close  of  his  career,  and  his  disease  had  pros- 
trated him,  he  manifested  a  great  desire  to  preach  the  unsearch- 
able riches  of  Christ  once  more  before  he  died.  From  all  human 
appearances,  his  desire  could  not  have  been  gratified ;  but  he  be- 
lieved in  the  efficiency  of  prayer,  and  he  prayed  to  his  Father  to 
permit  him  to  preach  just  once  more.  His  prayer  was  answered. 
He  revived  sufficiently  to  go  about  two  miles,  and  fill  a  regular 
appointment.  When  he  returned  home  he  relapsed  into  his  former 
weakness.  He  remarked,  just  before  he  died,  "  his  only  regret 
was,  that  he  had  not  done  more  for  his  Saviour."  On  the  last  day 
he  spent  on  earth,  he  said  to  his  friends,  "  I  am  going  home,  I  am 
almost  there." 

From  the  time  he  preached  his  last  sermon,  which  was  on  the 
third  Lord's  day  in  October,  1857,  he  declined  rapidly,  until  the 
fifteenth  of  November  following,  when  he  calmly  fell  asleep  in 
Jesus,  at  the  age  of  fifty-seven. 


MERIWEATHER   L.  JONES. 


MERIWEATHER    L.  JONES. 

SADLY  did  the  tidings  of  ELDER  JONES'S  death  affect  many 
hearts.  He  was  one  of  those  men  whom  to  know  was  to  love. 
He  occupied  a  position  of  high  respectability  as  a  preacher,  in 
Eastern  Virginia,  enjoying  the  respect  and  regard  of  those  to 
whom  he  specially  dispensed  the  Word  of  Life. 

He  was  born  November  15,  1195,  in  Louisa  County,  Virginia. 
We  regret  our  inability  to  say  anything  concerning  his  early  life. 
In  1818  he  removed  with  his  father's  family  to  Cumberland  County, 
Kentucky.  There  he  was  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth.  The 
particulars  of  his  conversion  are  unknown.  He  soon  began  to 
preach.  From  the  time  of  his  acceptance  with  God,  he  cherished  a 
special  desire  to  return  to  his  native  State,  that  he  might  preach 
here  the  gospel  of  Christ,  and  soon  made  the  requisite  arrange- 
ments to  gratify  this  wish. 

In  1821  he  became  a  permanent  resident  of  the  Old  Dominion, 
and  commenced  a  career  of  usefulness  which  terminated  only  with 
life.  With  open  arms  he  was  received  by  the  churches,  and  it 
would  seem,  from  the  result,  that  the  strong  impulse  which  brought 
him  back  was  from  God.  None  can  doubt  that  the  overruling 
hand  of  his  Heavenly  Father  was  in  the  arrangement.  At  this 
time,  several  churches  and  a  large  range  of  country,  but  little  dis- 
tant from  the  home  of  his  childhood,  were  destitute  of  the  regular 
ministrations  of  the  Word.  Into  this  field  he  entered.  The 
churches  at  Nuchols,  Dover,  Deep  Run,  Temperance,  Hopeful, 
Ground  Squirrel,  Winn's,  and  Mount  Carmel  were  served  by  him; 
and  with  wonderful  success.  Hundreds  in  the  counties  of  Louisa, 
Hanover,  Goochland,  and  Henrico,  will  have  reason  to  rejoice,  at 
the  last  day,  that  they  heard  the  gospel  from  his  lips. 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  distinguished  by  simplicity  of  style  and 
manner.  No  pretensions  to  erudition  or  powers  of  elocution  were 
made.  In  language  unadorned,  but  correct  and  appropriate,  he 
sought  to  commend  himself  to  every  man's  conscience  in  the 
sight  of  God.  Something  peculiarly  prepossessing  in  his  appear- 
ance when  he  arose  to  speak  engaged  the  attention  of  all.  The 

28* 


330  MERIWEATHER  L.  JONES. 

power  of  goodness  was  felt.  His  every  look  and  word  revealed 
the  inward  working  of  a  soul  at  peace  with  God,  and  only  desi- 
rous of  glorifying  him.  The  coldest  heart,  the  most  skeptical, 
could  not  resist  the  conviction  that  a  heavenly-minded  man,  who 
fully  believed  the  truth  of  all  he  said,  stood  before  them. 

What  served  to  impress  all  with  respect  for  his  ministry,  was 
the  uniform  blamelessness  of  his  life.  He  had  a  good  report  of 
all,  even  of  them  "  who  are  without."  During  the  twenty  years 
of  his  pastorate,  no  man  could  point  to  him  as  an  example  of  in- 
consistency. And  then,  too,  the  gentleness  of  his  manner,  and  the 
unsophisticated  kindness  of  his  nature,  made  him  a  welcome 
guest  in  every  family.  A  pleasant  smile  he  would  give  with  the 
extended  hand,  evincing  a  heart  of  love. 

Elder  Jones  was  a  man  of  untiring  activity  in  his  ministerial 
work.  He  had  entered  into  the  marriage  relation  with  Miss  S.  E. 
Snead,  of  Hanover  County,  and  the  cares  of  a  growing  family 
pressed  upon  him;  and  yet,  so  intent  was  he  in  fulfilling  the 
trust  committed  to  him,  that  day  and  night,  in  season  and  out  of 
season,  he  pursued  his  loved  employ.  His  regular  appointments 
were  in  four  different  counties,  requiring  him  to  be  much  from 
home.  He  tenderly  loved  his  wife  and  children,  and  nothing  but 
a  stern  sense  of  duty  would  have  suffered  him  to  break  away  from 
the  endeared  associations  of  the  domestic  circle.  He  thus  con- 
tinued faithful  unto  death. 

It  was  in  the  active  prosecution  of  his  work  that  his  Master 
called  him  to  the  rewards  of  heaven.  A  year  before  his  death,  the 
severity  of  his  toils  brought  on  a  severe  illness,  which  seriously 
impaired  his  constitution.  Though  enfeebled,  he  desisted  not,  but 
pressed  on,  filling  all  his  appointments  with  regularity.  It  was 
on  the  way  to  one  of  his  most  distant  meetings  he  was  arrested 
by  sickness.  He  had  left  home  to  baptize  several  persons  at 
Hopeful,  but  found  it  necessary  to  rest  at  the  house  of  his  father- 
in-law,  where  he  remained  until  released  from  his  sufferings  by 
death. 

For  three  weeks  he  suffered  much.  The  impression  strongly 
rested  upon  his  mind  that  he  was  no  more  to  labor  in  his  accus- 
tomed work.  He  often  said,  "I  shall  die,  but  I  know  that  my 
Redeemer  liveth."  But  little  rapturous  feeling  was  evinced.  The 


HENRY  G.  SEGAR.  331 

peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understanding  seemed  habitually 
to  possess  his  mind.  Sometimes  the  thought  of  leaving  his  wife 
and  six  young  daughters  oppressed  him.  But  these  he  was  will- 
ing to  commit  to  the  care  of  his  Heavenly  Friend.  When  the 
words  were  repeated,  "  I  will  be  a  father  to  the  fatherless,"  he 
said,  "Yes,  yes;  it  is  enough;"  and  soon  fell  asleep  in  Jesus, 
August  30,  1840. 

The  churches  he  served  grieved  in  deepest  sorrow  in  the  loss 
they  sustained.  One  of  them,  the  church  at  Hopeful,  adopted 
resolutions  expressive  of  their  high  estimate  of  his  character  and 
services,  requesting  the  writer  to  deliver  a  discourse  commemora- 
tive of  his  many  virtues.  An  immense  assemblage  gathered 
together  on  that  occasion.  It  was  a  time  of  great  lamentation. 
Though  nearly  twenty  years  have  elapsed,  the  memory  of  M.  L. 
Jones  is  fresh  and  fragrant  with  hundreds  who  were  privileged  to 
sit  under  his  ministry. 


HENRY    G.  SEOAR. 

AMONG  those  of  promising  gifts  and  excellent  character,  who 
have  been  in  early  life  called  from  the  ranks  of  the  ministry,  may 
be  found  the  lamented  SEGAR.  His  name  must  not  be  omitted  in 
this  work. 

He  was  born  in  the  year  1796.  When  he  professed  religion,  is 
not  known  by  the  writer ;  but  he  seems,  somewhere  about  the  year 
1820,  to  have  become  a  member  of  Salem  Church,  Caroline 
County,  under  the  care  of  Elder  Andrew  Broaddus.  In  1824 
he  appeared  at  the  meeting  of  the  Dover  Association,  as  a  dele- 
gate from  that  church,  and  again,  in  1828,  and  then  for  seven  suc- 
cessive years.  In  March,  1836,  he  was  ordained  to  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  and  assumed  the  pastorate  of  Enon  Church.  The 
Presbytery  officiating  on  this  occasion  were  Elders  A.  Broaddus, 
John  Bird,  and  G.  W.  Trice. 

His  career  as  a  preacher  of  the  gospel  was  brief.  While  many 
were  hoping  for  him  extensive  usefulness,  he  was  cut  down  by 


382  MORDECAI    W.  BROADDUS. 

death.  Elder  Broaddus,  who  was  not  accustomed  to  use  the  lan- 
guage of  extravagant  eulogy,  and  who  calls  the  departed  one  his 
"estimable  and  beloved  brother,"  thus  refers  to  the  event: — 

"  How  astounding  and  overwhelming  to  my  feelings  was  the 
summons  to  attend  his  funeral,  at  a  time  when  I  considered  him 
out  of  danger  from  the  disease  !  Elder  Segar  has  been  cut  off  at 
a  period  of  life  not  far  behind  life's  meridian — being  at  his  death 
not  quite  forty-four  years  of  age — and  having  been  ordained  to 
the  gospel  ministry  only  about  four  years.  Well !  in  his  short 
career  he  performed  much.  He  labored  assiduously  in  the  field 
which  was  assigned  to  him,  and  his  labors  were  crowned  with  suc- 
cess. And  while  sustaining  with  credit  to  himself  the  cause  of 
his  Master,  and  winning  the  affectionate  regards  of  the  church 
over  which  he  presided,  and  the  circle  of  his  acquaintance  in 
general,  he  appeared  to  give  evidence  of  an  increase  of  personal 
piety,  and  thus  to  be  marking  a  path  which  shone  brighter  and 
brighter  as  it  led  on  to  the  regions  of  eternal  light.  Cut  down 
prematurely,  as  respecting  age,  our  departed  brother  has  left  a 
mournful  gap  in  his  family,  in  the  church,  and  in  society.  The 
will  of  the  great  Sovereign  never  errs ;  and  His  dispensations, 
though  often  shrouded  in  adorable  darkness,  are  ever  righteous  and 
good ;  but,  surely,  it  must  be  matter  of  lamentation  that  so  many 
of  the  laborers,  in  quick  succession,  should  be  called  home  from 
the  harvest,  while  so  few  are  coming  forward  to  fill  their  places. 
Oh  that  our  Zion  may  be  awakened  to  a  deep  and  heart-felt 
attention  to  the  Master's  admonition :  '  Pray  ye  the  Lord  of  the 
harvest,  that  He  will  send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest. ' " 


MORDECAI    W.  BROADDUS. 

THIS  servant  of  God  was  born  January,  1798,  in  the  County 
of  Caroline.  In  the  days  of  his  youth  he  became  a  subject  of 
renewing  grace,  and  united  with  Salem  Church,  in  his  native 
county.  From  that  church  he  appeared  as  a  delegate  to  the 
Dover  Association,  for  a  series  of  years,  from  1828.  His  ministry 


MORDECAI   W.  BROADDUS.  333 

was  short.  About  the  year  1835  he  was  chosen  pastor  of  Upper 
Zion  Church,  and  at  the  constitution  of  Providence  Church,  he 
assumed  the  responsibility  of  its  spiritual  oversight.  But  his 
Divine  Master  saw  it  best  to  remove  him  from  the  field  of  toil 
upon  which  he  had  entered. 

Elder  Andrew  Broaddus,  who  well  knew  how  to  appreciate  his 
character,  thus  refers  to  him:  "Yet  another  laborer  called  home 
from  the  harvest ;  another  of  our  preachers  cut  down  by  the  hand 
of  death. 

"  MORDECAI  W.  BROADDUS,  our  zealous,  laborious,  and  suc- 
cessful ministering  brother,  has  been  summoned  (alas,  how  soon !) 
to  follow  the  flight  of  Segar,  and  Goodall,  and  Jones,  and  others 
whose  deaths  have  been  lately  announced,  to  the  final  rest  pre- 
pared for  the  faithful.  Frequent  attacks  of  indisposition,  to 
which  he  was  long  subject,  had  produced  but  little  interruption  in 
his  ministerial  labors  till  the  disease  of  which  he  died  assumed  its 
threatening  character,  and  deprived  him  of  bodily  strength. 
Sinking,  as  he  soon  appeared  to  be,  under  a  deep  and  rapid  con- 
sumption, a  few  weeks  only,  from  the  time  of  his  confinement, 
closed  in  peace  the  scene  of  languishing,  and  he  took  his  leave  of 
the  world  on  the  26th  of  November,  1840,  aged  forty-one  years 
and  ten  months.  Our  departed  brother  had  been  but  a  few  years 
engaged  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  but  those  years  were  occu- 
pied with  increasing  and  successful  labors.  Revivals  of  religion 
were  his  delight,  and  for  seasons  of  that  sort  his  talents  appeared 
peculiarly  suitable.  Many,  no  doubt,  are  ready  to  bear  witness 
to  his  labors  as  instrumental  to  their  conversion,  and  many  will 
long  remember  his  powerful  exhortations — so  copious,  so  pathetic, 
and  so  impressive. 

"The  Master  has  been  pleased  to  summon  him  away,  at  a 
period  not  beyond  the  meridian  of  active  life,  and  shortly,  too, 
after  the  departure  of  several  of  our  most  useful  ministering 
brethren.  What  lamentable  vacancies  in  the  fields  around  us  !" 


334  ELI   BALL. 


ELI    BALL. 

THE  name  of  ELI  BALL  is  familiar  to  Virginia  Baptists  iu 
every  part  of  the  State,  both  on  account  of  its  long-continued 
identity  with  them,  and  the  active  part  he  took  in  all  their  various 
works  of  Christian  benevolence.  It  is  not  easy  to  form  an  esti- 
mate of  the  influence  for  good  put  forth  by  him.  In  diversified 
channels  this  influence  extended  itself.  Perhaps  no  man  has  been 
more  intimately  identified  with  the  different  societies  and  Associa- 
tions which  have  arisen  among  us  within  the  last  thirty  years.  He 
was  so  constituted,  that  whatever  promised  good  received  his  cor- 
dial approval,  and  every  energy  he  could  command  was  cheerfully 
committed  to  its  prosecution.  It  will,  then,  be  an  acceptable  service 
to  present  a  brief  survey  of  his  life  and  labors.  We  give  some  of 
the  facts  of  his  early  history,  as  they  are  furnished  in  the  comme- 
morative discourse  delivered  at  his  funeral,  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter : — • 

"  Rev.  Eli  Ball  was  born  in  Marlborough,  Vermont,  November 
2d,  1786.  His  father  was  of  French  descent,  and  served  his 
country  in  the.  French  and  revolutionary  wars.  His  parents  were 
both  pious,  and  his  father  was  a  Baptist.  He  grew  up  a  moral 
youth,  never  having  indulged  in  any  vice  ;  but,  though  he  eschewed 
vice,  he  did  not  love  holiness.  His  convictions  of  sin  commenced 
in  his  thirteenth  year,  during  the  prevalence  of  a  religious  revival 
in  his  neighborhood.  Long  and  painful  was  the  struggle  before 
he  joyfully  submitted  to  Christ.  Year  after  year  rolled  away,  and 
found  him  oscillating  between  hope  and  despair ;  at  one  time  filled 
with  anguish  from  the  most  intense  and  overwhelming  convictions, 
and  at  another,  careless  and  apathetic.  His  experience  was 
scarcely  less  varied,  profound,  and  fanciful  than  that  of  Bunyan. 

"  Having  removed  to  the  City  of  Boston,  he  was  baptized 
there  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1805,  when  about  nineteen 
years  old.  Shortly  after  his  public  profession  of  religion,  he  en- 
tered into  conflicts  about  engaging  in  the  Christian  ministry, 
quite  as  sharp  as  those  which  preceded  his  conversion.  Between 
a  sense  of  duty  and  a  deep  consciousness  of  his  insufficiency  for 
the  work  of  the  ministry,  his  mind  was  tossed  for  some  years  on 


ELI  BALL.  335 

the  billows  of  anxious  uncertainty ;  through  the  influence  of  pious 
friends,  he  was,  almost  imperceptibly  to  himself  and  without  his 
full  consent,  led  into  the  work.  He  preached  his  first  sermon, 
December,  1807,  in  the  City  of  Boston,  and  was  regularly  licensed 
to  preach  the  gospel  in  the  month  of  July  following. 

"Having  enjoyed  in  early  life  but  very  limited  opportunities  for 
acquiring  an  education,  he  felt  the  necessity  of  prompt  and  vigor- 
ous efforts  to  cultivate  his  mind,  and  prepare  himself  for  the  great 
work.  He  first  placed  himself  under  the  tuition  of  Rev.  Daniel 
Stanford,  then  an  eminent  classical  teacher  at  Boston,  and  subse- 
quently studied  theology,  under  the  direction  of  Rev.  Caleb 
Blood,  pastor  of  the  Third  Baptist  Church  in  that  city.  While 
prosecuting  his  studies,  he  was  invited  to  preach  for  the  church  in 
Maiden,  five  miles  from  Boston,  where  he  continued  his  acceptable 
labors  for  a  year  and  three  months. 

"  His  studies  were  not  pursued  long,  and  could  not  have  been 
thorough;  for  in  December,  1809,  we  find  him  settled  with  the 
Baptist  Church  in  the  town  of  Harwich,  on  Cape  Cod.  This 
place  he  was  soon  obliged  to  leave,  on  account  of  ill  health,  caused 
by  the  sea  breezes.  Subsequently,  the  churches  in  Wilmington, 
Lansingburg,  New  York,  and  Middletown,  Connecticut,  enjoyed  his 
pastoral  labors  successively,  until  the  spring  of  1823.  In  all  these 
places  he  labored  with  acceptance,  winning  the  confidence,  affec- 
tion, and  esteem  of  the  churches.  Nor  were  his  labors  without 
attestation  of  Divine  favor.  Both  in  Lansingburg  and  Middle- 
town,  he  was  permitted  to  rejoice  in  the  fruit  of  his  toils. 

"In  June,  1823,  Brother  Ball  made  his  first  visit  to  Virginia, 
aud  was  present  at  the  first  anniversary  of  the  Baptist  General 
Association  of  that  State.  He  was  cordially  welcomed  by  Semple, 
Rice,  Brown,  and  other  fathers  of  that  day,  into  the  wide  and 
inviting  gospel-fields  spread  before  him  in  that  State.  I,  then  a 
stripling  in  the  gospel,  on  my  first  trip  from  my  native  mountains, 
first  saw  him,  and  enjoyed  the  pleasure  of  forming  his  acquaint- 
ance. He  was  in  his  thirty-seventh  year,  youthful  in  appearance, 
aud  of  highly  respectable  talents.  In  July  of  that  year,  he  set- 
tled with  the  Baptist  Church  of  Lynchburg.  In  about  two  years 
he  left  this  place,  and  took  charge  of  the  Deep  Run  Church,  in 
Henrico  County,  and  some  of  the  neighboring  churches,  that  he 


33 8  ELI  BALL. 

might  extricate  himself  from  the  cares  of  a  school,  which  he  was 
necessitated  to  keep  in  Lynchburg,  and  devote  himself  wholly  to 
pastoral  labors.  Among  these  churches  he  labored,  with  occa- 
sional interruptions,  for  seven  or  eight  years  most  acceptably  and 
usefully." 

The  acceptable  and  successful  labors  of  Elder  Eli  Ball  in  the 
vicinity  of  Richmond,  alluded  to  in  the  above  extract,  deserve  a 
more  special  notice.  The  Counties  of  Henrico  and  Hanover  had 
been  for  some  time  destitute,  to  an  alarming  extent,  of  the  preach- 
ing of  the  Word.  Among  these  churches  he  came,  in  the  fullness 
of  the  blessing  of  the  gospel  of  peace.  Day  and  night  he  passed 
among  the  churches,  preaching  the  Word,  conducting  Bible  classes, 
and  instituting  prayer-meetings.  A  wonderful  change  occurred 
in  all  this  region.  Speaking  of  this  change,  he  says  :  "  Not  only 
the  church,  but  almost  the  whole  neighborhood,  exhibited  a  com- 
plete contrast  with  what  they  were  two  years  ago,  when  I  came 
into  this  region.  Where  sin  abounded,  grace  much  more  abounds. 
The  church  which  once  enjoyed  the  labors  of  those  pious  brethren, 
Ford  and  Webber,  was  after  their  decease  almost  destitute  of 
preaching,  and  had  dwindled  down  to  about  twenty  white  mem- 
bers. Meetings  were  but  seldom  held;  the  rising  generation 
seemed  wholly  devoted  to  pleasure,  and  every  gate  in  Zion 
mourned,  because  few,  very  few,  came  to  her  solemn  feasts.  Since 
the  reformation  commenced,  there  have  been  seventy-six  added  by 
baptism." 

Well  do  we  remember  those  scenes  of  thrilling  interest  to  which 
the  above  extract  alludes.  They  continued  for  several  years,  and 
extended  over  different  neighborhoods.  Crowds  of  people,  after 
the  toils  of  the  day,  were  accustomed  to  meet  for  the  worship  of 
God,  many  of  them  walking  miles,  and  returning,  to  be  ready  for 
the  labors  of  the  morrow.  In  those  meetings  the  utmost  order 
prevailed,  and  yet  a  vivacity,  spirit-stirring  and  gladdening, 
marked  all  the  exercises.  Elder  Ball  was  the  controlling  spirit 
of  these  occasions.  Influenced  by  the  invisible  One,  and  yearning 
for  the  salvation  of  his  fellow-men,  he  allowed  no  respite  to  his 
labors.  Hundreds  in  various  directions  were  baptized,  recogniz- 
ing him  as  the  instrument  of  their  conversion  to  God. 

In  many  respects  he  was  eminently  qualified  as  a  Christian 


ELI   BALL.  337 

pastor  to  please  and  improve  his  people.  He  always  seemed 
interested  in  the  welfare  of  each  individual,  while  his  fine  taste 
and  talent  for  vocal  music  rendered  him  popular  as  a  leader  in 
social  meetings,  and  welcome  as  a  guest  in  the  homes  of  his 
friends.  He  took  a  lively  interest  in  the  improvement  of  the 
youug  in  this  department  of  worship.  Being  well  acquainted 
with  the  science  of  music,  and  possessing  a  fine,  flexible  voice,  he 
never  failed  to  render  agreeable  those  religious  meetings  in  which 
he  took  a  prominent  part. 

Elder  Ball  was  also  engaged  for  brief  periods  in  the  pastoral 
work,  in  connection  with  the  church  at  Hampton,  Bruington,  and 
Rehoboth.  The  latter,  now  called  Sharon,  was  brought  into 
being  through  his  instrumentality.  His  success  in  promoting  the 
intelligence  and  activity  of  these  churches  was  marked. 

Besides  his  regular  pastoral  engagements,  a  large  amount  of 
pulpit  labor  was  expended  in  connection  with  other  churches  of 
the  State.  The  demand  for  his  services,  in  various  directions, 
and  some  times  at  great  distances  from  home,  was  frequent  and 
urgent.  With  quenchless  ardor  he  readily  embraced  all  such  op- 
portunities of  preaching  the  Word.  Passing  from  place  to  place, 
listening  crowds  received  from  his  lips  the  messages  of  salvation. 
As  Elder  Keeling  says  of  him:  "an  expert  driver,  with  his  light 
sulky,  and  strong,  agile  horse,  he  flew  like  a  bird  over  all  Eastern 
Virginia,  which  for  many  years  seemed  to  us  to  be  his  parish." 
At  protracted  meetings,  preaching  day  and  night,  ordinations, 
temperance  meetings,  missionary  anniversaries, — he  was  ever 
ready  to  serve  the  churches. 

Referring  to  his  varied  labors,  of  which  we  shall  take  notice 
more  particularly,  Rev.  Mr.  Jeter  says:  "In  almost  every  county, 
in  every  valley,  on  every  hill-top,  and  in  every  neighborhood,  his 
voice  has  been  heard  in  instruction,  warning,  and  consolation. 
But  it  was  chiefly  as  an  agent  that  Brother  Ball's  exertions  were 
crowned  with  success.  In  this  capacity  he  served  the  Bible 
Society  of  Virginia,  the  Baptist  General  Association  of  Virginia, 
and  other  Baptist  societies  within  the  limits  of  the  State,  and, 
since  May,  1845,  the  Foreign  Mission  Board  of  the  Southern 
Baptist  Convention  in  the  State  of  Georgia.  As  an  agent  for 
the  collection  of  funds,  he  was  efficient,  and  his  influence  was  good 

VOL.  n. — w  29 


838  ELI  BALL. 

and  only  good.  If  he  obtained  less  money  than  some  other 
agents,  he  did  not  exhaust  the  field,  but  left  it  fresh  and  fertile  for 
other  laborers.  By  the  gentleness  of  his  manner,  the  kindness 
of  his  spirit,  and  the  force  of  his  appeals,  he  never  failed  to 
concilitate  his  hearers  to  the  cause  which  he  advocated.  In 
other  employments  Brother  Ball  sought  to  serve  his  generation. 
For  short  periods  he  was  a  professor  in  the  Baptist  Seminary, 
(now  Richmond  College,)  and  editor  of  the  Religious  Herald; 
and  in  these  departments  of  labor  rendered  acceptable  service  to 
the  denomination  and  the  cause  of  truth  and  piety." 

Elder  Ball  was  among  the  earliest  and  most  consistent  advo- 
cates of  the  temperance  reformation.  He  was  one  of  the  con- 
stituent members  of  the  Virginia  Temperance  Society,  formed  at 
Ash  Camp  Church,  Charlotte  County,  in  the  year  1826.  Although 
an  earnest  and  successful  endeavor  had  been  made  to  call  together 
a  large  assembly,  and  though  most  eloquent  appeals  were  uttered 
by  several  speakers,  but  ten  names  from  the  great  crowd  could  be 
secured  in  the  formation  of  the  society.  Those  names  deserve  to 
be  recorded  in  indestructible  lines.  Among  the  names  is  that  of 
Eli  Ball.  He  was  a  worthy  compeer  of  that  apostle  of  temper- 
ance, Abner  W.  Clopton.  Long  and  faithfully  did  these  men 
labor  together  in  attempts  to  expel  the  demon  of  intemperance 
from  the 'land.  They  were  united  in  the  publication  of  "Wis- 
dom's Yoice,"  an  admirable  work  of  select  articles  on  temperance, 
and  suited  to  the  times.  Often  did  Mr.  Ball  lift  his  voice  in 
pleading  for  this  reformation,  and  many  were  the  articles  written 
by  his  pen.  Referring  to  this  subject,  on  one  occasion,  he  thus, 
in  his  peculiar  style,  writes:  "Every  Christian  should  feel  that 
while  he  is  walking  in  the  road  to  eternal  life,  it  is  his  duty  to  en- 
deavor to  promote  the  welfare  of  those  around  him.  '  Come  with 
us,'  should  be  his  language,  'and  we  will  do  thee  good;'  and  if 
they  will  not  come,  the  plan  to  be  adopted  is  clearly  laid  down  in 
the  Scriptures  of  truth.  But  the  self-denying  plan  of  the  Bible 
has  become  too  straight ;  they  dislike  to  be  persecuted,  to  be  evil 
spoken  of;  hence  they  are  disposed  to  compromise  evils.  I  have 
some  reason  to  hope  that  such  professors  will  yet  be  entreated  to 
sacrifice  their  beverage,  for  the  good  of  others  and  the  peace  of 
the  churches." 


ELI  BALL.  339 

Nobly  did  this  man  of  God  breast  the  current  of  appetite  and 
custom,  in  pleading  for  total  abstinence  from  all  intoxicating 
drinks.  In  the  pulpit,  the  church  meeting,  and  the  family  circle, 
he  warned  and  entreated  the  young  and  the  old,  the  rich  and  the 
poor,  to  give  up  the  daily  beverage,  and  to  adopt  the  principles 
of  the  temperance  reformation.  All  this  was  done  in  a  manner 
so  kind  and  gentle,  that  all  were  compelled  to  respect  his  sincerity 
and  appreciate  his  benevolent  spirit.  His  labors  in  this  direction 
were  eminently  successful.  He  was  instrumental  in  the  formation 
of  numerous  societies  in  different  parts  of  the  State. 

The  allusion  already  made  to  his  agency  work  brings  up  a  vivid 
recollection  of  the  very  effective  influence  he  exerted  in  behalf  of 
education  in  general,  and  especially  the  improvement  of  the  rising 
ministry.  A  long,  tedious,  and  fatiguing  journey,  by  private  con- 
veyance, to  South  Carolina  and  Georgia,  was  taken  by  him,  in 
1828,  on  behalf  of  the  Columbian  College.  During  this  visit, 
the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars  was  secured.  A  second  attempt 
for  this  institution  was  made,  and  three  thousand  dollars  in  addi- 
tion were  placed  in  his  hands,  as  the  result  of  his  appeals.  Per- 
haps no  other  living  man,  at  that  time,  when  public  confidence  in 
the  college  had  been  shaken,  could  have  succeeded  so  well.  He 
also  undertook  the  collection  of  funds  for  the  Virginia  Baptist 
Education  Society,  and  succeeded  in  creating  a  new,  interest  in 
that  enterprise.  For  the  Foreign  Mission  Society  he  traveled 
extensively,  but  his  principal  work  in  agencies  in  Virginia  was 
on  behalf  of  the  General  Association.  Different  portions  of 
Western  Virginia  were  visited  in  person,  and  the  destitution  being 
ascertained,  plans  were  put  in  operation  for  its  supply.  Few  can 
now  understand  how  much  of  prejudice  was  removed  by  his  cour- 
teous and  clear  representations  before  the  people. 

The  latter  portion  of  his  life  was  given  to  the  Foreign  Mission 
Board  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Convention.  His  labors  in 
Georgia  were  most  available  in  arousing  attention  to  the  claims 
of  missions,  and  of  inducing  the  churches  liberally  to  sustain 
them.  He  seems  to  have  won  the  regards  of  his  brethren  in 
every  direction,  by  his  bland  and  courteous  manners,  and  every- 
where left  a  favorable  impression  in  favor  of  the  cause  he  advo- 
cated. Although  more  than  threescore  years  old,  he  still  retained 


340          „  ELI  BALL. 

much  of  the  elasticity  of  his  early  manhood,  performing  a  large 
amount  of  labor  in  preaching  the  gospel,  while  he  constantly 
plead  for  the  far-off  perishing  ones  in  heathen  lands.  It  is  im- 
portant, also,  to  note  the  fact,  that  his  interest  in  this  great  enter- 
prise of  giving  the  gospel  to  the  world,  instead  of  abating,  seemed 
only  to  increase  with  advancing  years.  Thousands  can  attest  how 
eloquently  he  depicted  the  ruin  and  wretchedness  of  his  fallen 
fellow-men,  and  the  power  of  that  gospel  which  can  elevate  and 
save.  His  soul  was  full  of  the  theme.  In  the  social  circle,  with 
the  little  children  around  him,  or  in  conversation  with  older  ones ; 
in  the  pulpit,  even  when  adverting  to  doctrinal  subjects, — every- 
where, and  at  all  times,  the  world's  conversion  was  his  great  all- 
absorbing  theme. 

This  leads  to  a  notice  of  his  visit,  on  behalf  of  the  Board  of 
Missions,  to  the  coast  of  Africa.  It  was  with  him  a  labor  of  love. 
The  board  had  long  regarded  a  personal  survey  of  the  ground 
occupied  by  their  Liberian  mission  as  extremely  desirable.  It 
was,  however,  found  difficult  to  secure  the  services  of  any  white 
man,  and  especially  of  any  one  of  sufficiently  sound  judgment  to 
render  the  embassy  profitable.  None  were  willing  to  peril  their 
lives  in  such  an  adventure.  At  this  juncture,  Elder  Ball  offered 
himself.  It  was  altogether  voluntary  with  him.  The  suggestion 
had  not  bpen  made  by  others.  It  originated  in  his  own  heart. 
By  many  it  was  deemed  rash,  that  one  sixty-five  years  old  should 
expose  himself  to  the  malaria  of  an  African  clime.  But  he  was 
fixed  in  his  conviction  of  duty,  and  the  board  yielded  to  his 
wishes.  He  was  appointed,  and  in  the  month  of  January,  1852, 
he  left  Savannah  for  Monrovia,  in  the  Liberian  packet. 

The  results  of  this  visit  were  highly  satisfactory.  He  visited 
all  the  stations  on  the  coast,  conferred  in  person  with  the  mis- 
sionaries, inspected  the  schools,  and  obtained  a  mass  of  informa- 
tion respecting  our  work  and  the  operations  of  other  boards, 
which  was  of  great  value  to  the  board.  Several  months  were 
spent  in  this  manner,  and  in  July  he  returned,  in  fine  health.  A 
short  time  was  spent  with  his  family  in  Richmond,  and,  still  fixing 
his  eye  upon  the  great  work  before  him,  he  left  to  assume  his 
agency  in  Georgia.  His  energies  were  now  taxed  with  new 
interest  for  Africa's  evangelization. 


ELI   BALL.  341 

Referring  to  this  mission,  he  said:  "Daring  my  late  visit  to 
Africa,  and  while  lookingover  the  widefieldfor  Christian  enterprise, 
with  here  and  there  a  laborer,  a  question  of  serious  import  was 
impressed  upon  my  mind.  Why  is  it  that  there  are  so  few  men 
in  America,  either  white  or  colored,  that  feel  it  to  be  their  duty 
to  go  to  Africa  as  missionaries  ?  *  *  Is  it  not  the  pleasure 
of  God  they  should  go  there  ?  Who  can  believe  this,  while  the 
Saviour's  command  stands  where  it  now  does  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment :  '  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
creature'  ?  Is  Africa  a  part  of  the  world  ?  Do  its  one  hundred 
millions  make  a  part  of  every  creature  to  whom  the  gospel  is  to 
be  preached  ?  *  *  *  * 

"I  do  not  know  how  many  white  missionaries  there  are  on  the 
western  coast,  but  I  have  heard  of  more  than  seventy.  It  is  said 
that  there  are  not  less  than  three  thousand  white  men  on  the 
coast  doing  business,  as  agents,  merchants,  soldiers,  and  officers. 
I  blush  for  the  timid  church  and  her  fearful  ministry.  Who  does 
not  see  that  the  children  of  this  world  are  wiser  in  their  genera- 
tion than  the  children  of  light ;  that  they  are  more  daring  and 
enterprising  than  Christians  themselves?  *  *  *  * 

"If  Africa  fails  to  receive  the  gospel,  it  will  not  be  because  the 
Saviour  is  not  willing,  nor  because  Christian  missionaries  cannot 
live  there,  nor  because  the  Africans  will  not  allow  them  to  preach, 
nor — but  here  I  stop.  Oh,  shall  the  guilt  of  their  eternal  loss 
lie  upon  Baptist  ministers  in  America?  God  forbid!  Forbid 
it,  ye  men  of  God,  who  feel  in  your  souls  that  '  woe  is  me,  if  I 
preach  not  the  gospel.'" 

After  laboring  in  his  agency  in  Georgia  for  nearly  a  year,  with 
the  consent  of  the  Mission  Board  he  determined  upon  a  second 
visit  to  Africa.  The  acquaintance  he  had  formed  on  the  coast 
with  men  and  things  had  prepared  him  to  return  with  peculiar 
facilities  for  the  exercise  of  a  good  influence.  He  was  all  buoyant 
with  hope.  Never  did  a  youthful  bosom  beat  with  more  real  joy 
in  entering  upon  some  new  romantic  enterprise,  than  did  the  heart 
of  this  aged  man,  as  he  anticipated  this  moral  exploration.  But 
the  will  of  the  Lord  interposed.  With  everything  ready  to  depart 
to  his  distant  field,  another  summons  from  the  throne  above 
met  his  car.  He  had  arranged  for  a  brief  visit  to  the  lower 

29* 


342  ELI   BALL. 

country,  and  commenced  his  journey.  But  the  sickness  which 
was  to  be  unto  death  arrested  him,  and  he  returned  home.  It 
was  peculiarly  gratifying  to  his  family  and  to  all  his  friends  that 
he  was  permitted  to  die,  not  in  Georgia,  not  on  the  ocean,  not  in 
Africa,  but  at  home.  This  wayworn  pilgrim,  whose  life  had 
been  one  series  of  arduous  labors  in  doing  good  to  his  fellow- 
men,  is  now  permitted  quietly,  peacefully,  in  the  bosom  of  his 
family,  to  lie  down  and  sleep  in  Jesus.  It  was  the  privilege  of 
the  writer  to  be  with  him  just  before  the  closing  scene.  He  was 
lying  in  a  comatose  state.  When  aroused,  the  hand  was  extended, 
and  the  pressure  of  Christian  love  given.  We  joined  in  prayer 
for  the  last  time.  Often  had  we  preached,  and  prayed,  and  sung 
together,  in  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  now,  on  the  banks  of 
Jordan,  we  lifted  up  the  heart  in  praise  and  supplication ;  he  soon 
to  pass  over  to  the  other  side.  There,  even  amid  the  pangs  of 
separation,  we  were  ready  to  sing, 

"Oh  the  transporting  rapturous  scene 
That  rises  to  the  sight; 
Sweet  fields  arrayed  in  living  green, 
And  rivers  of  delight." 

The  following  beautiful  reference  to  the  death-scene,  and  the 
glory  which  should  follow,  is  found  in  the  sermon  of  Brother 
Jeter : — 

"This  good  man  having  'fought  a  good  fight,'  etc.,  has  been 
poured  forth  as  a  libation.  He  has  fallen  a  martyr,  not  to  perse- 
cuting bigotry,  but  probably  to  excessive  toil  and  exposure  in  a 
southern  climate.  He  has  taken  his  departure.  His  body  is 
with  us.  Here  it  lies  freed  from  its  toils,  weariness,  and  pains. 
But  where  is  the  soul  ?  Who  can  trace  that  in  its  mystic  flight 
from  time  to  eternity,  from  earth  to  heaven  ?  His  clothes  were 
all  packed  for  a  second  voyage  to  Africa,  on  behalf  of  the  Foreign 
Mission  Board,  and  his  heart  was  much  set  on  the  trip;  but  God 
had  appointed  for  him  another  voyage.  On  the  day  before  yes- 
terday, at  half-past  two  o'clock,  he  weighed  anchor,  and  with  a 
favoring  wind  set  sail  from  these  mortal  shores  to  the  haven  of 
eternal  life.  Brother  Ball's  disease,  without  a  miracle,  precluded 
the  possibility  of  clear  views  and  warm  affections  in  his  last  days. 


ELI   BALL.  343 

It  clouded  his  mind  and  stupefied  his  sensibilities.  He  said  but 
little  about  his  end,  but  that  little  was  satisfactory.  He  received 
the  intelligence  of  his  early  departure  with  perfect  calmness, 
firmly  arranged  his  secular  affairs,  spoke  of  his  spiritual  interests 
as  secured,  and  answered  briefly  and  cheeringly  all  the  inquiries 
proposed  in  relation  to  his  hope.  If  the  crown  is  for  them  that 
fight  the  good  fight,  etc.,  Brother  Ball,  according  to  all  human 
calculation,  has  won  it.  And  how  richly  does  it  compensate  for 
all  his  toils,  privations,  conflicts,  and  sufferings !  Such  a  crown  is 
cheap  at  any  price, — is  infinitely  above  all  price.  No  concern  for 
the  dead,  but  for  the  living. " 

His  entrance  upon  the  heavenly  rest  occurred  in  Richmond, 
July  21, 1853.  It  was,  indeed,  a  blessed  change — an  end  to  con- 
flict, the  victor's  triumph. 

By  the  event  of  his  death  a  vacuum  was  occasioned,  which 
could  not  be  easily  filled.  He  occupied  a  large  place  in  the  affec- 
tions of  thousands.  He  was  missed  by  the  board  for  which  he 
had  so  faithfully  labored,  and  by  the  churches  of  the  South,  as 
well  as  by  bis  sorrowing  family  and  friends.  His  defects  were  few. 
his  excellences  many.  It  was  truly  said,  in  his  funeral  discourse : 
"He  had  his  peculiarities,  perhaps  his  faults,  but  they  were  not 
such  as  to  bring  reproach  on  the  cause  of  Christ.  If  at  any  time 
he  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  have  difficulties  with  his  brethren,  it 
was  because  he  had  more  of  the  innocence  of  the  dove  than  the 
wisdom  of  the  serpent.  The  good  which  he  did  then  may  be  set 
down,  without  subtraction,  as  so  much  gained  to  the  cause  of 
Christ." 

The  dispositions  which  marked  the  subject  of  this  sketch  were 
naturally  amiable.  It  seemed  to  gratify  him  if  he  could  confer 
a  favor  or  promote  the  comfort  of  others.  With  the  children 
everywhere  he  was  a  favorite.  He  would  sing  for  them  or  converse 
with  them,  but  all  his  aim  was  to  interest  them  in  spiritual  truth, 
and  to  improve  them  in  character  and  manners.  On  one  occa- 
sion he  so  interested  a  group  of  young  ladies  and  little  girls,  by 
his  representations  of  the  condition  of  Africa,  that  they  combined 
their  influence,  and  by  personal  sacrifices,  and  solicitations  from 
others,  succeeded  in  obtaining  about  one  hundred  dollars  for  the 
cause  of  missions.  For  a  brief  season,  before  he  entered  upon 


344  ELI  BALL. 

his  agency  in  Georgia,  he  became  a  partner  in  a  book  establish- 
ment in  Richmond.  When  his  young  friends  would  call,  looking 
over  his  books,  and  indicating  a  taste  for  reading,  he  would  suffer 
them  to  take  book  after  book,  requesting  only  that  each  should 
be  carefully  handled,  and  safely  returned.  Thus  among  all  ages 
and  classes  his  aim  seemed  to  be  to  make  all  happy.  A  cheerful 
smile  was  always  given  when  you  met  him,  and  with  a  wonderful 
buoyancy  of  spirits  he  was  ready  to  entertain  you,  and  all  as  if  it 
were  really  conferring  a  favor  by  the  opportunity  furnished.  He 
always  seemed  to  be  in  a  pleasant  humor,  and  none  would  suppose 
that  anything  ever  occurred  to  ruffle  the  even  current  of  his  thoughts 
and  feelings.  And  yet  he  had  his  sore  temptations,  his  inward 
struggles.  Referring  to  these,  Brother  Jeter,  in  his  sermon, 
remarks : — 

"His  spiritual  conflicts  were  peculiarly  sharp  and  trying. 
I  knew  him  intimately  many  years ;  I  considered  him  a  man  of 
remarkably  cheerful  and  uniform  spirits.  His  private  papers, 
however,  disclose  the  truth,  that,  at  several  periods  of  his  life,  his 
mind  was  sore  tempted  and  harassed.  He  was  sometimes  on  the 
very  verge  of  despair,  applying  to  himself  the  gloomy  lines  of 
Young : — 

"  'E'en  midnight,  in  the  zenith  of  her  dark  domain, 
Is  sunshine  to  the  color  of  my  fate.' 

These  records  of  the  workings  of  his  heart  furnish  indubitable 
evidence  of  the  purity  of  his  motives  and  the  rectitude  of  his  life. 
He  could  not  divine  the  cause  of  his  deep,  concealed  anguish,  but 
knew  that  it  proceeded  not  from  guilt  of  conscience,  disappointed 
ambition,  worldly  losses,  or  unsettled  faith.  But  he  fought  a  good 
fight.  The  battle  is  over,  and  the  victory  is  won.  I  have  reason 
to  believe  that  in  the  last  years  of  his  life  his  mind  was  more 
cheerful,  and  his  hope  clearer  and  more  sustaining  in  his  darkest 
hour,  and,  to  the  last,  his  hatred  of  sin  and  desire  of  usefulness 
failed  not." 

We  have  stated  that  he  engaged  in  the  book-selling  business. 
This  was  only  a  temporary  arrangement,  as  in  a  few  years  he 
found  that  the  attention  requisite  to  be  given  abstracted  too  much 
from  his  ministerial  work.  Indeed  he  was  not  fitted  for  such  pur- 


ELI  BALL.  .  345 

suits,  nor  did  they  prove  pecuniarily  profitable.  He  was  not  made 
to  battle  with  men  in  the  turmoils  of  business.  All  his  habits 
of  life  had  disqualified  him  for  managing  worldly  affairs,  espe- 
cially such  as  were  in  any  measure  complicated  and  perplexing. 
Hence  he  was  not  found  to  have  improved  his  worldly  condition. 
It  was  rather,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  involved.  But  if  he  suc- 
ceeded not  in  this  department,  he  was  eminently  successful  in 
another.  He  had  in  early  life  been  brought  into  the  ministry. 
He  had  given  himself  wholly  to  this  work.  All  his  thoughts  and 
aspirations  had  been  swallowed  up  in  the  one  great  purpose — to 
finish  his  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  he  had  received  of  the 
Lord  Jesus.  His  was  an  absorbing,  consuming  devotion,  and  the 
object  of  his  love  was  sublime.  N"o  wonder  that  he  failed,  as  a 
farmer  and  a  merchant,  to  accumulate.  He  had  a  higher  mission 
to  fulfill.  In  this  mission  he  employed  his  whole  time  and  en- 
gaged all  his  energies  What  he  did  in  business  pursuits  was 
incidental,  and  may  well  have  failed.  But,  in  the  ministry,  he 
sought  to  be  a  workman  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed.  Every 
leisure  moment,  when  not  engaged  in  the  active  duties  of  the 
ministry,  was  spent  in  study  and  preparation.  By  his  own  en- 
deavors he  had  made  himself  somewhat  acquainted  with  the 
learned  languages,  and  had  taken  some  discursive  flights  over  the 
fields  of  literature.  To  theological  studies  he  had  given  more 
attention,  and  in  these  he  may  be  said  to  have  been  a  proficient. 
All  the  radical  errors  of  past  ages  he  had  considered,  and  all 
theological  creeds  he  had  brought  to  the  severest  test  of  investi- 
gation and  comparison  with  the  word  of  God.  The  extent  of  his 
active  labors  is  thus  referred  to  by  Mr.  Jeter : — 

"His  labors  were  eminently  active,  diligent,  and  self-denying. 
I  have  never  known  a  minister  who  employed  his  talents  in  the 
cause  of  Christ  more  faithfully.  His  knowledge  was  extensive 
and  various,  rather  than  profound.  He  was  a  highly  respectable 
preacher ;  and  sometimes  his  discourses  were  truly  excellent.  But 
his  chief  merit  consisted  in  the  fidelity  with  which  he  employed 
his  talents.  He  waited  for  no  high  post,  no  wide  field,  no  in- 
viting harvest,  but  principally  embraced  every  opening  for  use- 
fulness. The  post  of  labor  was  with  him  the  post  of  honor.  Of 
leisure  he  knew  nothing.  A  few  years  since,  he  wrote :  '  Since  I 


346  ELI  BALL. 

professed  religion  I  believe  I  have  not  spent  as  much  time  as 
makes  a  day,  in  any  idle  amusement. '  When  urged  by  a  friend  to 
spend  more  time  in  rest,  he  replied  :  '  I  am  in  haste  to  finish  my 
work !'  He  kept  a  minute  account  of  his  various  labors.  Hear 
a  general  summary  of  them  for  the  year  1851 :  'In  prosecuting 
the  duties  of  my  agency,  during  this  year  I  have  traveled  ten 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-seven  miles,  and  preached  one 
hundred  and  forty-one  sermons.'  To  this  summary  he  adds  a 
brief  statement  of  all  his  labors :  '  During  my  whole  ministry  I 
have  preached  five  thousand  eight  hundred  and  ninety-one  sermons. 
Since  1831-34  have  traveled,  while  prosecuting  my  public  labors 
as  a  minister,  eighty-four  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy- 
three  miles ;  a  distance,  I  may  add,  more  than  three  times  the 
circumference  of  the  globe.'  Truly  his  course  was  somewhat  long, 
but  he  pursued  it  with  speed,  and  it  is  finished. 

"His  labors  were  crowned  with  abundant  success.  I  question* 
whether  he  has  left  a  man  among  us  who  has  been  more  useful 
than  he.  It  is  difficult  to  estimate  the  extent  and  value  of  his 
influence.  The  period  of  his  pastoral  labors  in  Henrico  and 
Hanover  Counties  was  the  brightest  of  his  ministry.  Here  in  the 
course  of  a  few  years  he  baptized  five  hundred  persons.  In  De- 
cember, 1849,  he  recorded  in  his  diary:  'I  have  baptized  nine 
hundred  and  fourteen  persons.'  Considering  how  much  of  his 
time  was  spent  in  agencies,  teaching,  writing,  and  unavoidably  in 
secular  business,  this  success  must  "be  considered  as  eminent.  But 
this  problably  does  not  equal  the  amount  of  success,  of  which  no 
record  can  be  furnished,  in  attending  protracted  meetings,  in  occa- 
sional sermons,  in  diffusing  missionary  intelligence,  and  in  collect- 
ing funds  for  religious  objects.  He  did  good,  too,  with  a  very 
small  mixture  of  evil.  He  never  intentionally  wounded  the  feel- 
ings of  any 'living  being.  He  was  eminently  conservative  in  his 
spirit.  He  would  modestly  propose  plans  of  usefulness ;  but  if 
his  brethren  would  not  adopt  his,  he  would  adopt  theirs.  He 
had  no  ambition  to  lead,  and  was  not  ashamed  to  follow." 

In  contemplating  the  history  of  this  estimable  man,  his  image 
is  before  us.  He  seems  yet  to  be  moving  in  our  midst.  It  is 
difficult  to  realize  that  he  is  not  among  the  people,  engaged  in 
some  enterprise  of  benevolence.  His  very  figure  and  manner 


ELI  BALL  347 

always  interested  us.  In  stature  small,  his  whole  form,  rather 
inclined  to  corpulency,  was  compact  and  well  proportioned,  indi- 
cating vigor  and  the  power  of  endurance.  His  face  round,  his 
features  regular,  he  impressed  the  beholder  with  the  idea  of  one 
genial  and  happy.  His  manner  was  easy  and  graceful  Neither 
the  extreme  of  obtrusiveness  nor  of  reserve  was  his.  He  was 
scrupulously  neat,  and  even  precise  in  his  dress  and  regard  to  per- 
sonal appearance.  As  a  companion  he  was  accessible,  communi- 
cative, and  cordial.  No  one  could  be  in  his  society  without  being 
pleased  and  improved.  In  the  pulpit  he  usually  made  a  favorable 
impression.  He  always  indicated  preparation  and  method  in  his 
discourses.  His  style  was  sententious,  precise,  and  plain.  Per- 
haps no  one  was  more  uniform  in  the  character  of  his  public 
addresses.  He  rarely  rose  on  the  wings  of  imagination  into  the 
regions  of  the  sublime,  or  descended  into  what  was  commonplace 
and  low.  He  was  a  pleasant,  instructive,  profitable  preacher. 
The  same  might  be  said  of  his  style  of  writing  for  the  press,  as 
editor,  and  the  author  of  numerous  fugitive  pieces  which  appeared 
in  the  Religious  Herald.  His  mind  was  not  of  the  massive  order. 
Less  prepared  to  grapple  with  the  higher,  stronger,  and  more 
difficult  forms  of  thought,  or  to  plunge  into  the  depths  of  meta- 
physical investigation,  he  contented  himself  with  learning  and 
enforcing  well  that  which  is  fundamental  and  practical. 

He  was  a  man  of  strong,  deep  feeling.  This  accounted  for  the 
fact  that  sometimes  he  betrayed  a  sensitiveness  which  was  painful 
alike  to  himself  and  others.  If  his  plans  were  rejected,  while  he 
was  unwilling  to  contend,  a  manifest  mortification  and  disappoint- 
ment were  evinced.  The  depth  of  his  sensibilities  was  also  seen 
in  the  desperate  spiritual  conflicts  of  which  mention  has  already 
been  made.  His  views  of  the  holiness  of  God  and  the  exceeding 
sinfulness  of  sin,  were  productive  of  self  loathing,  penitential 
grief,  and  trembling,  godly  fear.  He  was  ready  to  say,  as  he 
beheld  the  Divine  glory  and  majesty,  with  Moses  in  the  mount, 
"I  exceedingly  fear  and  quake."  And  besides,  these  inward  trials 
and  fears  no  mortal  but  himself  knew.  Had  he  given  vent  to  his 
mortifications  and  griefs  in  the  freedom  of  Christian  friendship, 
then  had  not  the  pent-up  waters  so  nearly  overwhelmed  him. 

We  have  thus  sought  to  present  a  faithful  picture.     It  is 


348  DAVID   B.  McGEHEE. 

pleasant  to  look  upon,  and  the  more  so  if  it  may  call  to  mind  the 
original,  as  he  was  when  he  lived  and  moved  among  us.  Doubt- 
less Eli  Ball  will  long"  be  remembered  by  Virginia  Baptists  as  one 
of  their  soundest,  best,  most  useful  proclaimers  of  the  glorious 
gospel 


DAVID    B.  McGEHEE. 

See  where  he  walks  on  yonder  mount,  that  lifts 

Its  summit  high,  on  the  right  hand  of  bliss ! 

Sublime  in  glory.  POLLOK. 

DAVID  B.  McGEHEE  was  born  in  Powhatan  County,  Virginia, 
November  12th,  1785.  Of  his  childhood  and  youth,  nothing  is 
known  to  the  writer.  In  1801  he  obtained  hope  in  Christ,  and  in 
the  next  year  (1802)  he  was  baptized  by  Elder  William  Walker, 
and  became  a  member  of  Sailor  Creek  Church,  in  Prince  Edward 
County. 

At  what  period  his  attention  was  first  directed  to  the  duty  of 
preaching  the  gospel,  is  not  certainly  known.  It  could  not,  how- 
ever, have  been  very  long  after  his  union  with  the  church,  for  he 
has  often  stated  that  the  struggle  of  his  feelings  was  protracted 
and  severe,  before  he  could  so  far  overcome  a  sense  of  unfitness 
for  the  high  and  holy  vocation  as  to  enter  into  the  ministry ;  and 
at  the  time  of  his  death  (1846)  he  had  been  a  preacher  more 
than  forty  years.  In  1814  or  1815  he  was  ordained  by  a  presby- 
tery consisting  of  Elders  James  Shelbourne  and  Abner  Watkins. 

At  the  time  he  united  with  the  church,  and  for  about  eighteen 
years  after,  Mr.  McGehee  was  a  resident  of  Prince  Edward 
County.  He  thence  removed  to  the  County  of  Halifax,  Virginia, 
and  in  1819  became  pastor  of  Clover  and  Dan  River  Churches, 
in  that  county.  In  1829  he  accepted  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
Winn's  Creek,  and  in  1835  of  the  Musterfield  Church,  both 
located  in  Halifax.  The  duties  of  the  pastoral  relation  he  dis- 
charged with  fidelity  and  great  acceptance.  It  is  much  to  be 
regretted  that  generally  our  churches  in  the  country  content 


DAVID   B.  McGEHEE.  349 

themselves  with  having  preaching  only  one  Lord's  day  per  month, 
the  same  preacher  acting  as  the  pastor  of  three  or  four  churches. 
While  this  state  of  things  continues,  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that 
the  churches  will  attain  to  a  well-disciplined  and  efficient  condi- 
tion. The  duties  of  the  pastoral  office  cannot  be  fulfilled  by  one 
man  to  four  churches,  the  members  of  which  are  scattered  over  an 
area  of  fifteen  to  twenty-five  miles.  Few  men  under  such  circum- 
stances have  better  succeeded  than  did  Elder  McGehee,  and  no 
one  has  shared  more  largely  in  the  affection  and  confidence  of  the 
churches  to  which  he  ministered. 

Declining  health  induced  Elder  McGehee  to  relinquish  his  con- 
nection with  Winn's  Creek  Church  in  1844,  and  with  Dan  River 
in  1845.  Of  Clover  and  Musterfield  he  continued  pastor  till  his 
death.  He  died  June  3d,  1846. 

Elder  McGehee  possessed  a  sound  and  vigorous  intellect,  good 
judgment,  and  considerable  quickness  of  perception.  His  early 
opportunities  of  mental  culture  were  limited.  Deeply  impressed, 
however,  with  the  indispensable  necessity  to  the  minister  of  the 
gospel  of  a  well-trained  and  richly-furnished  mind,  he  toiled  on 
amid  the  embarrassments  arising  from  supporting  a  family, 
almost  entirely  unaided  by  those  who  had  the  benefit  of  his  minis- 
terial labors,  until  he  had  attained  to  habits  of  accurate  and  effec- 
tual thought,  and  had  embraced  within  the  range  of  his  acquire- 
ments large  stores  of  useful  knowledge.  His  efforts  to  improve 
ended  only  with  the  loss  of  strength  to  prosecute  them. 

The  Bible  was  his  book.  He  was  familiar  with  every  part  of 
its  sacred  contents — its  history,  its  prophecy,  its  precepts,  its  pro- 
mises. As  an  expositor,  the  writer  has  never  known  him  excelled 
by  any  one  who  had  merely  an  English  education.  He  had  con- 
sulted the  best  commentaries ;  but  his  expositions  were  essentially 
the  work  of  his  own  independent  mind.  This  excellency  was 
observable  in  his  sermons ;  but  it  was  at  the  fireside,  when  engaged 
in  conversation  with  those  who  could  appreciate  instruction,  and 
who  sought  to  draw  him  out,  that  he  most  exhibited  his  varied 
knowledge,  and  his  profound  reflections  upon  the  meaning  of  the 
Word  of  God. 

As  a  man  and  a  citizen,  -Mr.  McGehee  sustained  the  highest 
character.  In  all  the  relations  of  life  his  conduct  was  not  only 

VOL.  ii.  30 


350  DAVID   B.  McGEHEE. 

correct,  but  above  suspicion ;  and  it  is  thought  no  one  ever  doubted 
his  integrity,  suspected  his  virtue,  or  questioned  his  patriotism.  He 
ever  evinced  a  deep  interest  in  the  political  affairs  of  his  country. 
He  had  with  deliberation  formed  his  opinions  with  regard  to  the 
nature  of  our  government,  and  the  true  course  of  policy.  His 
judgment  was  decided,  his  course  unwavering ;  and  he  manifested 
by  his  conduct  the  high  estimation  which  he  placed  upon  that 
palladium  of  the  liberty  of  an  enlightened  and  virtuous  people — 
the  right  of  suffrage.  But  never  for  a  moment  did  he  permit 
himself  to  become  entangled  in  the  strifes  of  party,  or  to  sink  the 
Christian  or  the  minister,  in  his  attention  to  politics. 

As  a  minister,  "his  praise  is  in  all  the  churches"  that  enjoyed 
either  his  stated  or  occasional  services.  The  native  modesty  and 
retiring  delicacy  of  his  disposition  caused  him  rather  to  avoid  occa- 
sions that  might  have  brought  him  into  more  general  notice.  The 
condition  of  his  wife,  (who  for  many  years  was  an  invalid,)  and 
other  domestic  causes,  forbade  his  traveling  far  from  home.  But 
wherever  he  was  known,  he  was  high  in  the  esteem  of  his  brethren. 
By  his  churches  he  was  greatly  beloved.  In  the  Roanoke  Asso- 
ciation, of  which  for  many  years  he  was  a  member,  he  exerted 
much  influence ;  and  in  the  Dan  River  Association,  which  he 
united  with  his  brethren  in  forming,  he  was  regarded  as  a  father 
in  the  gospel.  For  many  years  he  was  clerk  of  the  Roanoke 
Association,  and  frequently  Moderator  of  the  Dan  River.  Of 
deep  and  fervent  piety,  with  a  regularity  and  a  consistency  of  de- 
portment that  never  knew  a  change,  and  a  devotion  to  the  labors 
of  his  office,  restrained  only,  not  suppressed,  by  engrossing  cares 
and  many  trying  afflictions,  he  was  everywhere  welcomed  as  a 
"  good  man,  and  full  of  the  Holy  Ghost  and  of  faith." 

As  a  preacher,  Elder  McGehee  deserves  a  high  rank — not  for 
pulpit  eloquence,  for  to  this  he  made  no  pretension,  but  as  a  plain, 
faithful,  affectionate  preacher  of  the  gospel.  His  sermons  dis- 
played sound  and  vigorous  thought,  good  judgment,  and  an  inti- 
mate acquaintance  with  the  Scriptures  and  with  the  human  heart. 
The  love  of  Christ,  and  compassion  for  the  souls  of  men,  gave  to 
his  ministrations  a  fervor  and  an  unction  that  was  sure  to  com- 
mend them  to  the  heart  of  the  Christian.  And  though  not  a 
revival  preacher,  yet  as  he  pursued  "  the  even  tenor  of  his  way," 


DAVID  B.  McGEHEE.  351 

many  were  brought  through  his  instrumentality  to  believe  in 
Christ.  To  him  may  be  appropriately  applied  the  lines  of 
Cowper : — 

*****     "Simple,  grave,  sincere, 

In  doctrine  uncorrupt ;  in  language  plain, 

And  plain  in  manner ;  decent,  solemn,  chaste. 

*****    Much  impressed 

Himself,  as  conscious  of  his  awful  charge, 

And  anxious  mainly,  that  the  flock  he  feeds 

May  feel  it  too." 

Elder  McGehee  had  been  in  feeble  health  for  several  years. 
Early  in  the  year  1846  he  became  convinced  that  he  had  not  long 
to  live.  He  proceeded  to  arrange  his  business,  in  view  of  this 
impression.  A  communication  from  one  of  his  sons  states:  "He 
did  not  at  any  time  seem  to  entertain  a  doubt  as  to  his  acceptance 
with  God.  A  short  time  before  his  death  he  remarked  to  a  bro- 
ther :  '  I  have  been  very  sick  before,  and  always  entertained  a 
hope  of  recovering;  but  now  I  have  none.  I  shall  go  down  to 
the  grave.  But,  brother,  I  know  whom  I  have  believed,  and  am 
persuaded  that  He  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed 
unto  him  against  that  day.'  He  requested  Brother  S.  to  sing  the 
hymn — 

"Jerusalem,  my  happy  home, 
Name  ever  dear  to  me. 

"  During  his  sickness  he  expressed  the  state  of  his  feelings  by 
repeating  passages  of  Scripture,  such  as :  '  The  Lord  is  good ;  a 
strong  hold  in  the  day  of  trouble,  and  he  knoweth  them  that  trust 
in  him;'  and  hymns,  such  as: — 

"Jesus  can  make  a  dying  bed 
Feel  soft  as  downy  pillows  are." 

The  narrative  to  which  I  have  adverted  continues:  "He  ex- 
horted the  unconverted  to  prepare  for  death."  A  few  days  pre- 
vious to  his  death,  he  requested  several  brethren  present  to  sing. 
Being  asked  what  he  wished  them  to  sing,  he  replied:  "Those 
precious  promises — 'How  firm  a  foundation,  ye  saints  of  the 

Lord,'  and 

"  I  would  not  live  alway,  I  ask  not  to  stay." 


852  DAVID  B.  McGEHEE. 

He  requested  that  Brethren  Mills  and  Jennett  should  preach 
his  funeral  at  Clover  Church,  (of  which  he  was  a  member,)  and 
selected,  as  texts  for  the  occasion,  the  Seventy-third  Psalm  and 
twenty-sixth  verse,  and  the  twelfth  verse  of  the  first  chapter  of 
Second  Timothy.  He  manifested  much  anxiety  for  the  prosperity 
of  his  churches. 

He  frequently  said  to  his  companion,  when  she  would  express 
a  wish  for  him  to  recover:  "Trust  the  Lord;  I  doubt  not  but 
it  would  be  best  for  you,  were  I  to  remain,  but  not  for  me.  It  is 
the  Lord.  Let  him  do  what  seemeth  him  good." 

The  above  tribute  was  prepared  by  the  Rev.  A^  M.  Poindexter. 
It  contains  no  exaggeration.  Elder  McGehee  was  one  of  the 
most  blameless  men.  A  universally  good  report  of  those  who 
are  without,  was  his  highest  distinction.  In  the  pulpit,  and  espe- 
cially as  an  expositor  of  God's  word,  he  stood  among  the  first  of 
Virginia  preachers.  The  writer  well  remembers  some  of  those 
pleasant  and  profitable  occasions,  when  in  the  days  of  early  youth 
he  was  permitted  occasionally  to  listen  to  him  as  a  defender  of 
gospel  truth. 

Speaking  of  him,  one  who  was  familiar  with  his  history  said : 
"Elder  David  B.  McGehee  was  a  model  man.  His  character  was  as 
white  as  the  virgin  snow.  He  was  eminently  pious.  He  preached 
with  the  tongue,  and  with  his  money.  I  think  he  gave  every  year 
one-tenth  of  his  gross  income  to  missions,  the  Bible  cause,  etc. 
In  giving  by  system,  he  gave  ten  times  more  than  most  men  who 
have  the  same  amount  of  property. 

"He  took  enlarged  views  of  responsibility  with  respect  to  the 
proper  religious  training  of  the  young.  Had  he  lived  at  the  pre- 
sent time,  when  our  churches  in  the  country  are  adopting  measures 
for  the  organization  of  Sunday-schools,  he  would  have  been  fore- 
most in  promoting  their  interests.  Alluding  to  the  subject,  he 
said :  '  Children  should  be  early  instructed  in  the  being  of  a  God, 
his  requirements,  their  accountability  to  Him,  the  depravity  of 
their  hearts,  the  necessity  of  regeneration  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
the  way  of  salvation  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  necessity 
of  holiness.'" 


WILLIAM   M.  G  ASKIN  j.  353 


WILLIAM   M.  GASKINS.* 

WILLIAM  MONCURE  GASKINS,  the  subject  of  the  ensuing 
memoir,  was  the  youngest  child  of  Captain  Richard  H.  Gaskins, 
an  estimable  citizen  of  Northumberland  County,  Virginia.  His 
mother  was  a  Miss  Moncure,  of  Stafford  County,  a  lady  of  rare 
excellence  of  character.  William  was  an  amiable,  affectionate, 
and  sprightly  boy,  giving  early  promise  of  a  life  of  respectability 
and  usefulness.  Although  greatly  petted  by  his  family,  he  fortu- 
nately escaped  the  vanity,  self-will,  and  peevishness — the  bitter 
fruits  which  too  frequently  spring  from  such  injudicious  culture. 
He  possessed  a  native  modesty  and  sweetness  of  disposition  which 
no  indulgence  could  supplant. 

In  his  early  years,  William  received  such  educational  advan- 
tages as  were  furnished  by  the  neighborhood  in  which  he  resided. 
In  the  years  1844  and  1845,  he  was  a  student  in  Richmond  Col- 
lege; "enjoying,"  as  he  expresses  it  in  a  brief  note,  "the  faithful 
instruction  of  that  exemplary  and  devoted  servant  of  God,  Robert 
Ryland,  for  whom  I  can  never  cease  to  cherish  the  fondest  remem- 
brance. "  The  writer  can  bear  testimony  to  his  unremitted  dili- 
gence and  rapid  proficiency  in  his  studies  during  this  period. 

Few  children  have  the  good  fortune  to  be  reared  under  influ- 
ences more  propitious  to  a  life  of  piety  than  the  subject  of  this 
memoir.  His  parents  were  both  exemplary  members  of  the  Bap- 
tist church,  who  sought,  both  for  themselves  and  their  children, 
"first,  the  kingdom  of  God  and  h's  righteousness,"  and  who  to 
the  most  faithful  and  tender  efforts  added  the  most  fervent 
prayers  for  the  conversion  of  their  children.  Nor  was  their  pious 
solicitude  in  vain.  They  enjoyed  the  high  privilege  of  seeing  all 
their  children  walking  in  the  "  fear  of  the  Lord,  and  in  the  com- 
fort of  the  Holy  Ghost."  William  was  baptized  the  17th  of 
October,  1840,  by  Rev.  A.  Hall,  and  received  into  the  fellowship 
of  the  Moratico  Baptist  Church,  Lancaster  County.  Of  the 
exercises  which  led  to  this  public  and  solemn  consecration  of  him- 

*  By  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter. 

VOL.  n. — x  30* 


354  WILLIAM  M.  GASKINS. 

self  to  the  service  of  Christ,  no  known  memorial  has  been  pre- 
served. It  is  well  known,  however,  that  he  entered  with  great 
ardor  into  his  Christian  profession,  and  never  ceased  to  be  deeply 
impressed  with  the  responsibility  which  it  laid  upon  him,  nor  to 
fulfill  that  responsibility  by  maintaining  an  humble,  devotional 
spirit,  and  a  circumspect  and  conscientious  deportment. 

In  the  spring  of  1844,  while  a  student  in  college,  Mr.  Gaskins 
was  duly  licensed  by  his  church  to  preach  the  gospel.  His  gravity, 
dignified  manners,  fine  talents,  and,  above  all,  his  ardent  piety, 
marked  him  out  for  a  career  of  usefulness  in  the  Christian  minis- 
try, to  which  the  only  obstacles  were  a  delicate  constitution,  and 
a  most  sensitive  and  shrinking  modesty.  "  My  first  effort,"  (at 
preaching,)  he  records,  "feeble  in  the  extreme,  was  made  before 
the  convicts  in  the  Penitentiary,  from  the  words,  '0  Israel, 
thou  hast  destroyed  thyself;  but  in  me  is  thy  help  !'"  Heb.  xiii.  9. 
In  May,  1846,  Brother  Gaskins  was  ordained  to  the  work  of  the 
Christian  ministry  by  a  presbytery  consisting  of  Elders  A.  Hall 
and  W.  H.  Kirk,  at  Kilmarnock  Meeting-house,  Lancaster,  Vir- 
ginia. No  mortal  ever  entered  the  sacred  office  with  a  deeper 
sense  of  his  insufficiency  to  perform  its  onerous  duties.  "I  have," 
said  he,  in  a  letter  to  one  of  his  sisters,  "assumed  an  office  which 
of  all  others  involves  the  greatest  responsibilities ;  and  surely  no 
one  ever  entered  upon  such  an  office  possessing  fewer  qualifica- 
tions for  it  than  myself.  To  say  nothing  of  a  heart  prone  con- 
tinually to  evil,  which  is,  perhaps,  the  worst  item  in  the  account, 
I  have  to  contend  with  a  stupidity  of  intellect,  and  a  dullness  of 
apprehension,  almost  inconceivable.  No  one,  I  am  persuaded, 
ever  felt  a  more  humiliating  sense  of  his  ignorance,  and  want  of 
capacity,  than  I  have  to-day.  I  seem  not  to  have  the  shadow  of 
an  idea  in  my  brain,  nor  a  thought  to  utter  which  is  not  most  per- 
fectly commonplace  and  stale." 

From  the  period  of  his  ordination  he  entered  with  great  ardor 
on  the  duties  of  his  ministry.  Having  married  Miss  Susan, 
daughter  of  Mr.  William  Tyree,  of  Richmond,  he  resided  for  a 
time  in  the  family  of  his  father-in-law,  and  preached  temporarily 
for  Bethlehem  Church,  in  Hanover  County.  In  the  summer  and 
autumn  of  1846,  he  attended  several  protracted  meetings,  at  which 
his  labors  seem  to  have  been  much  blessed.  The  writer  knows 


WILLIAM   M.  GASKINS.  355 

that  in  these  transient  and  occasional  labors  he  made  an  im- 
pression most  favorable  to  his  piety  and  promise  of  usefulness. 
Wherever  he  labored  he  left  behind  him  a  sweet  influence — an 
influence  diminished  by  no  recollection  of  unsavory  conversation, 
levity  of  manners,  or  indiscretion  of  conduct. 

Having  been  invited  to  visit  several  churches  in  Halifax,  Vir- 
ginia, with  a  view  to  a  permanent  settlement  among  them,  in 
April,  184T,  he  complied  with  the  request.  Of  this  visit,  he  made 
the  following  brief  note:  "Visited  the  churches  in  Halifax. 
Great  is  their  destitution.  They  are  as  sheep  without  a  shepherd. 
May  the  Lord  send  them  help  from  his  sanctuary — a  man  after 
his  own  heart,  and  may  he  guide  me  in  whatever  decision  I  may 
make  !"  The  churches,  pleased  with  his  labors,  cordially  invited 
him  to  accept  the  oversight  of  them;  which  invitation,  after 
anxious  deliberation,  and  earnest  prayer  for  Divine  guidance,  he 
accepted.  Of  this  important  engagement  he  made  the  following 
note :  "Assumed  the  pastoral  care  of  four  churches  in  Halifax,  to 
wit:  Clover,  Musterfield,  Winn's  Creek,  and  Dan  River,  com- 
mencing on  the  first  Lord's-day  in  July.  I  feel  my  insufficiency 
for  the  task  assigned  me  in  this  important  and  destitute  field. 
May  God,  in  mercy,  supply  the  requisite  strength  and  fitness  for 
the  undertaking,  and  bless  me,  and  make  me  a  blessing  to  his 
scattered  people  in  this  place  !" 

The  churches,  having  been  for  some  time  without  pastoral 
labor  and  supervision,  were  in  a  cold  and  unfruitful  state.  Bro- 
ther Gaskins  entered  on  the  labors  of  his  new  and  responsible  sta- 
tion with  commendable  diligence  and  fidelity ;  and  soon  a  decided 
improvement  was  visible  in  the  field  of  his  efforts.  His  congrega- 
tions were  large,  respectful,  and  attentive ;  the  churches  were 
aroused  to  a  sense  of  their  responsibilities ;  and  conversions  began 
frequently  to  occur.  In  the  month  of  September  he  held  pro- 
tracted meetings,  mostly  without  assistance  from  ministers,  in  all 
his  churches ;  and  about  twenty  persons  were  baptized  as  the  fruit 
of  these  labors. 

All  now  seemed  bright  and  encouraging  in  the  eyes  of  the 
young  pastor.  By  his  modesty,  gentleness,  and  zeal,  he  had  won 
all  hearts ;  God  was  graciously  smiling  on  his  labors ;  and  the 
prospect  of  increasing  and  permanent  usefulness  was  most  en- 


356  WILLIAM    M.  GASKINS. 

couraging.  But  how  mysterious  are  the  ways  of  Providence ! 
Brother  Gaskins's  health  now  began  to  fail.  Naturally  of  a  feeble 
constitution,  he  was  seized  with  ague  and  fever,  which  termi- 
nated in  a  wasting  dyspepsia.  Had  he  been  duly  impressed  with  the 
importance  of  preserving  his  health,  it  is  probable  that  by  rest, 
strict  attention  to  regimen,  and  judicious  medical  treatment,  he 
would  have  been  restored  to  its  enjoyment;  but  his  zeal  in  his 
pastoral  labors  would  not  permit  him  to  neglect  them,  when  he 
had  physical  strength  adequate  to  their  performance.  Often  did 
he  rise  from  his  bed,  pale,  emaciated,  and  feverish,  ride  miles  to 
meet  his  appointments,  preach  with  great  earnestness,  and,  return- 
ing home  exhausted,  take  his  bed  again,  there  to  remain  until 
another  appointment  should  stimulate  him  to  fresh  exertions.  By 
no  entreaty  of  friends,  physician,  or  wife,  could  he  be  induced  to 
abandon  temporarily  his  field  of  labor,  and  adopt  suitable  means 
for  the  restoration  of  his  health.  A  burning  zeal,  a  scrupulous 
regard  to  duty,  would  not  permit  him  to  be  inactive.  At  the 
beginning  of  this  year  he  made  the  following  entry  in  a  small 
note-book : — 

"  Commenced  another  year  !  A  great  mercy  that  I  am  spared 
at  all,  a  greater  privilege  that  I  am  spared  to  labor  in  such  a  cause. 
My  health  is  feeble.  May  I  desire  better  health  only  that  I  may 
do  more  in  the  cause  of  my  Master !  I  have  reason  to  believe 
that  my  poor  labors  were  blessed  during  the  past  year.  May  God 
grant,  for  Christ's  sake,  that  they  may  this  year  be  blessed  a  hun- 
dredfold." 

In  a  letter  addressed  to  his  father-in-law,  April  twenty-seventh,  he 
thus  writes :  "  I  am  laid  for  a  time  on  the  shelf,  perhaps  to  be  refitted 
for  service,  having  become  a  little  worse — or  it  may  chance  to  die, 
as  having  finished  the  course  allotted  me.  I  have  been  continu- 
ally under  the  doctor,  but  do  not  perceive  that  I  am  much,  if  at  all, 
improved  by  his  treatment.  I  am,  however,  and  have  ever  been, 
the  subject  of  a  most  flattering  hope  that  it  will  soon  be  better 
with  me,  and  that  I  shall  be  able  to  discharge  the  duties  of  my 
office,  which,  when  well,  afford  me  so  much  pleasure.  My  disease 
is,  in  my  judgment,  dyspepsia,  as  inveterate  and  incurable  as  I 
have  ever  seen — a  disease  which  cannot  be  made  to  yield  to  any 
fixed  course  of  medical  treatment.  I  hope,  however,  that  a  suit- 


WILLIAM   M.  GASKINS.  357 

able  diet,  and  a  little  caution  in  avoiding  exposure,  will  enable  me 
to  wear  it  out." 

Brother  Gaskins's  health  continued  to  decline  until  the  first  of 
June,  when  he  was  brought,  in  great  debility,  to  Richmond. 
Deriving  some  slight  benefit  from  the  journey,  hopes  were  enter- 
tained of  his  recovery.  But  these  hopes  were  transitory.  Soon 
his  symptoms  became  more  alarming,  and  baffled  the  skill  of  phy- 
sicians and  the  assiduous  attention  of  friends.  He  lingered  until 
Friday,  the  seventh  of  July,  and  fell  asleep  in  Christ,  in  the  twenty- 
ninth  year  of  his  age,  leaving  an  afflicted  widow,  and  an  infant 
son  who  can  never  know  a  father's  care. 

Thus  early  and  unexpectedly  closed  the  career  of  this  excellent 
young  man,  and  promising  minister  of  Jesus  Christ.  The  writer 
has  known  him  intimately  from  his  boyhood,  and  can  truly  say, 
that  he  never  knew  a  more  amiable  or  honorable  young  man. 
Rarely,  if  ever,  did  he  say  or  do  a  rash,  indiscreet,  or  inconside- 
rate thing.  His  piety  was  of  the  most  lovely  mould.  Gentle, 
modest,  and  conscientious,  he  was  strict  without  moroseness, 
cheerful  without  frivolity,  and  firm  without  dogmatism.  In  every 
aspect  his  religious  character  is  worthy  the  imitation  of  our  young 
ministers. 

Brother  Gaskins  possessed  a  mind  clear,  quick,  and  sound, 
with  untiring  habits  of  study.  He  was  not  a  showy,  but  a  good 
preacher.  It  is  a  great  pity  that  so  many  of  our  young  ministers 
are  captivated  by  the  ambition  to  become  fine  preachers.  All 
affectation  of  fine  language,  beautiful  imagery,  and  literary  dis- 
play— in  bad  taste  everywhere — is  disgusting  in  the  pulpit.  Bro- 
ther Gaskins,  solemnly  impressed  with  the  greatness  of  his  work, 
aimed,  by  a  simple  exhibition  of  Divine  truth,  to  instruct,  per- 
suade, and  profit  his  hearers.  Had  his  life  been  prolonged,  he 
would,  doubtless,  have  attained  to  distinction,  not  as  a  brilliant, 
but  as  a  solid  and  useful  preacher.  In  the  short  period  of  his 
residence  in  Halifax,  he  won,  in  a  remarkable  degree,  the  confi- 
dence and  esteem  of  the  community.  All  classes  bear  cheerful 
testimony  to  the  blandness  of  his  manners,  fervency  of  his  devotion, 
and  faithfulness  of  his  labors. 

Brother  Gaskins  conversed  but  little,  in  his  last  hours,  on  the 
subject  of  his  decease.  His  disease  utterly  prostrated  his  powers 


358  WILLIAM  A.  DIX. 

of  body  and  of  mind,  and  hopes  of  his  recovery,  both  by  his  friends 
and  himself,  continued  to  be  entertained  until  his  speech  failed. 
But  his  life  furnished  the  surest  proof  of  the  safety  of  his  death 
and  the  happiness  of  his  spirit.  Whither  could  a  life,  as  was  his, 
of  self-denial,  devotion,  and  untiring  obedience  to  the  commands 
of  God,  springing  up  from  faith  in  Christ,  lead  but  to  heaven  ? 

Thus,  in  less  than  a  year,  has  this  pious  young  man  followed  to 
the  grave  his  beloved  sister,  Mrs.  S.  A.  Jeter,  who  so  sublimely 
closed  her  life  in  October  last.  The  circumstances  of  their  deaths 
were  widely  different;  but  their  dispositions,  their  lives,  their 
hopes,  were  in  delightful  harmony.  Pleasant  and  lovely  in  their 
lives,  in  their  deaths  they  were  not  long  divided.  Side  by  side 
they  repose  in  the  same  cemetery.  How  soft  their  slumbers  1 
Sleep  on,  loved  and  lovely  pair,  till  Jesus  shall  raise  your  bodies, 
fashion  them  like  unto  his  glorious  body,  clothe  them  with  immor- 
tality, and  receive  them  to  heaven ! 


WILLIAM  A.  DIX. 

IT  is  painful  to  see  the  aged  veteran  fall  in  the  field  of  battle ; 
but  when  the  young  soldier,  who  having  put  on  the  armor  and 
fought  well,  has  proved  himself  true  and  brave,  lies  prostrate  at 
our  side,  the  sorrow  is  more  acute  and  abiding.  Thus  many  felt 
when  W.  A.  DIX  passed  away  from  the  earth.  They  had  seen 
the  father  die,  and  in  losing  him,  as  a  noble  defender  of  the  faith, 
they  had  hoped  in  the  son  to  enjoy  the  long-continued  ministra- 
tions of  a  sti1!  more  able  preacher  of  the  gospel. 

This  young  minister  was  the  son  of  Elder  Levin  Dix,  and  was 
born  in  Northampton  County,  Virginia,  in  the  year  1819.  He 
was  favored  with  an  early  religious  training.  His  father  felt  the 
responsibilities  of  a  Christian  parent,  and  sought  to  impress 
spiritual  truth  upon  the  minds  of  his  children.  Those  endeavors 
were  not  vain.  God  blessed  a  father's  counsel  and  tears,  and 
heard  his  prayers.  At  a  very  early  period,  serious  impressions 


WILLIAM  A.  DIX.  359 

rested  upon  the  heart  of  the  son,  and  these  at  length  ripened  into 
a  full,  decided  religious  character. 

At  the  age  of  twelve  he  professed  faith  in  Christ,  and  was  bap- 
tized. What  joy  must  have  filled  the  father's  heart  when  this  son 
was  led  into  the  baptismal  waters  I  How  joyfully  must  he  have 
dedicated  himself  to  the  Redeemer's  service  ! 

Having  thus  early  engaged  in  the  pleasing  work  of  acknow- 
ledging his  new  Master,  he  sought  those  influences  and  aids  which 
might  prepare  him  for  usefulness.  His  education  was  respectable. 
Those  who  were  fellow-students  with  him  at  the  Richmond  Bap- 
tist Seminary,  speak  of  him  as  a  studious,  earnest  young  man. 

At  the  early  age  of  eighteen,  he  was  ordained  to  the  ministry, 
having  been  for  some  time  engaged  in  preaching.  Few  have  been 
found,  at  his  period  of  life,  so  ripe  in  judgment,  and  so  well  pre- 
pared for  the  exercise  of  an  enduring  influence.  He  soon  attracted 
attention  as  a  young  man  of  very  high  promise  and  of  sterling 
worth. 

It  is  said  that  the  first  sermon  he  attempted  to  deliver,  from 
Psalm  cxvi.  1 3,  was  highly  creditable  ;  and  that  from  the  beginning 
to  the  end  of  his  course,  he  never  suffered  with  trepidation  or 
alarm.  Remarkable  for  his  self-possession,  he  was  able  to  throw 
the  full  force  of  his  mind  upon  the  subject  under  discussion.  His 
extreme  youth  was  doubtless  in  his  favor,  securing  for  him  the 
attention  of  the  people ;  but,  in  addition  to  this,  his  clear,  sensi- 
ble views,  and  his  happy  method  of  presenting  them,  were  suited 
to  render  him  an  engaging,  popular  preacher. 

In  1838  he  married  Elizabeth  Sarah  Scott,  daughter  of  William 
W.  Scott,  of  Northampton  County.  One  son  was  the  fruit  of 
this  union,  and  it  is  a  pleasing  fact  that  this  youth  is  now  a  fol- 
lower of  Jesus.  May  he  be  eminently  useful  in  his  heavenly 
Master's  service. 

The  ministry  of  Mr.  Dix  was  brief.  Ordained  in  1837,  he 
began  his  labors  in  connection  with  churches  in  Northampton 
County,  preaching  occasionally  in  Accomac  County.  He  was  soon 
called  to  occupy  an  important  position  in  Baltimore  County, 
Maryland,  and  there  with  acceptance  preached  until  the  time  of 
his  death.  During  the  meeting  of  the  Southern  Baptist  Conven- 
tion, in  May,  1841,  he  was  seized  with  a  violent  cold,  which  ter- 


360  WILLIAM   HA.TCHETT. 

initiated  in  death  before  the  close  of  the  month.  Elder  Laws, 
who  was  with  him  in  his  last  hours,  speaks  of  the  scene  as  deeply 
affecting.  His  wife  and  little  babe  were  absent  in  Virginia;  and 
while  he  longed  to  see  them  again,  his  heart  was  peaceful  and 
happy.  He  wished  to  live  only  that  he  might  be  useful,  and  ear- 
nestly desired,  if  he  were  brought  up  again  to  the  enjoyment  of 
health,  that  he  might  be  more  zealous  and  devoted.  Thus  early 
was  he  called  away.  His  remains  sleep  by  the  side  of  his  father, 
in  Northampton  County. 


WILLIAM    HATCHETT. 

WILLIAM  HATCHETT  was  born  August  5th,  1788,  in  the  County 
of  Charlotte.  His  father  was  not  a  professor  of  religion.  His 
mother,  though  an  Episcopalian,  seems  to  have  made  no  pre- 
tensions to  vital  godliness.  During  his  youthful  days,  he  occa- 
sionally heard  Baptist  preaching,  and  in  all  after-life  this  was 
regarded  by  him  as  an  occasion  of  thankfulness.  Those  early 
opportunities  of  becoming  acquainted  with  spiritual  truth  were 
sanctified  by  the  Holy  Spirit  in  arousing  a  spirit  of  inquiry,  which 
finally  resulted  in  humble  trust  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  consecration 
of  heart  and  life  to  His  service.  The  special  instrument  of  this 
happy  change  was  Rev.  Richard  Dabbs,  by  whom  he  was  bap- 
tized, in  the  fifteenth  year  of  his  age.  It  is  an  interesting  fact, 
that  thus  early  in  life  he  obtained  those  clear  views  of  the  plan  of 
salvation  which  characterized  his  pulpit  teaching  in  after-life. 

His  position  in  the  family  of  his  father  seems  to  have  been  un- 
favorable to  the  cultivation  of  Christian  character.  One  of  his 
sisters  was  a  Baptist,  but  no  other  of  the  home  circle  sympathized 
with  his  religious  views  and  feelings.  From  some  he  met  with 
direct  opposition,  his  brothers  often  taunting  him  with  observa- 
tions of  a  disparaging  character,  and  his  father  expressing  disap- 
proval of  the  interest  he  evinced  in  spiritual  things.  Not  even  did 
his  mother,  in  the  excess  of  her  worldliness,  while  she  loved  him 
as  her  son,  give  any  encouragement  to  him  as  a  Christian. 


WILLIAM   IIATCIIETT.  361 

He  continued  so  seriously  to  suffer  from  the  jeers  and  opposi- 
tion of  his  family,  that  he  finally  gained  the  consent  of  his  father 
to  leave  home,  and  to  enter  upon  the  business  of  teaching.  Young 
as  he  \vas,  he  undertook  a  small  school.  He  had  in  view  not  only 
his  own  improvement  by  a  course  of  reading,  but  also  the  accu- 
mulation of  a  sufficient  sum  to  enable  him  to  secure  a  better 
scholastic  training.  Thus  by  attending  school  and  teaching  him- 
self, he  became  an  excellent  English  scholar. 

About  the  time  he  left  his  father's  house,  his  mind  was  deeply 
interested  in  view  of  the  perilous  condition  of  his  fellow-men  as 
estranged  from  God,  and  subject  to  the  curse  of  a  violated  law. 
He  began  to  exhort  them  in  social  meetings,  and  soon  felt  him- 
self drawn  out  in  the  more  responsible  work  of  the  ministry. 
Here,  again,  he  suffered  opposition  from  his  father.  Every  influ- 
ence was  brought  to  bear  upon  his  mind,  to  dissuade  him  from  the 
thought  of  such  a  work.  He  even  threatened  to  disinherit  him, 
if  he  persisted  in  the  feelings  he  had  avowed.  On  one  occasion, 
when  on  a  visit  to  the  home  of  his  childhood,  his  father  bitterly 
reproached  him  for  his  religious  tendencies,  and  his  desire  to 
preach  ;  he  fell  on  his  knees,  and  besought  him  to  yield  his  objec- 
tions, informing  him  that  at  any  sacrifice  he  must  follow  the 
promptings  of  duty,  as  indicated  by  the  word  and  providence  of 
God.  Thenceforward  his  father  waived  his  objections. 

As  indicative  of  the  trials  through  which  he  passed,  an  incident 
is  related.  At  one  of  his  visits  at  home,  he  begged  permission  to 
hold  family  worship.  Although  consent  was  allowed,  his  brothers 
proudly  refused  to  kneel,  thus  showing  their  contempt  of  religion. 
These  trials,  however,  seem  only  to  have  increased  the  fervor  of 
his  devotion  and  the  depth  of  his  humility.  He  continued  to 
teach  school,  and  to  preach,  having  been  licensed  in  his  eighteenth 
year  by  the  church.  He  finally  gave  up  his  school  in  Charlotte 
County,  and  commenced  a  series  of  itinerant  labors  in  various 
parts  of  Lower  Virginia  and  North  Carolina.  In  1811  he  was 
ordained.  In  1812  he  became  an  inmate  of  the  family  of  Rev. 
Robert  B.  Semple,  as  an  assistant  in  his  school,  and  also  with 
reference  to  his  own  ministerial  improvement.  During  this  time, 
regular  preaching  appointments  were  filled  with  acceptance  and 
usefulness. 

VOL.  II.  31 


362  WILLIAM  IIATCIIETT. 

In  December,  1813,  he  married  Miss  Hannah  Temple  Gwath- 
mey,  the  daughter  of  Temple  Gwathmey,  of  King  and  Queen 
County.  The  employment  of  teaching  was  still  pursued  for  a 
succession  of  years,  this  being  necessary  for  the  support  of  a  large 
and  growing  family,  while  the  duties  of  the  ministry  were  not 
intermitted.  In  1825  he  was  deeply  afflicted  in  losing  his  com- 
panion, the  mother  of  nine  children.  His  second  marriage,  to 
Miss  Judith  T.  Fox,  of  Richmond  City,  took  place  in  1830.  By 
her  he  had  three  children.  Nearly  all  his  children  who  reached 
maturity  of  years,  became  the  disciples  of  Jesus.  He  had  always 
indicated  deep  concern  for  their  conversion,  and  his  example  \vas 
to  them  a  potent  argument  in  favor  of  the  Divine  service. 

In  the  churches  he  served,  marked  indications  of  the  Divine 
blessing  were  enjoyed.  On  one  occasion,  writing  with  reference 
to  his  labors,  he  says:  "I  have  recently  baptized  five  persons  at 
Black  Creek  Church.  A  few  days  since,  seventeen  persons  pre- 
sented themselves  at  the  same  place,  converted  from  the  error  of 
their  ways.  On  Sunday  last,  we  received  five  at  Bethesda.  On 
the  same  day,  I  baptized  twenty." 

At  another  time  he  writes :  "  On  the  second  Lord's  day  in  the 
present  month,  near  Bethesda,  I  had  the  pleasure  of  baptizing 
twenty-three  willing  converts,  three  of  whom  were  my  children. 
Last  Lord's  day,  at  Black  Creek,  I  baptized  twenty-one.  The 
whole  number  baptized  and  added  to  our  church,  this  year,  is  one 
hundred  and  thirty-five." 

Thus,  could  a  record  of  his  labors  and  success  be  obtained,  it 
would  be  found  that  many,  through  his  instrumentality,  were 
brought  to  the  feet  of  Jesus.  Such  a  record  he  kept,  bnt  it  has 
been  lost.  The  memorial  of  his  work,  which  on  high  has  been 
kept,  is  indestructible.  That  will  be  read  and  known,  to  the  praise 
of  his  Divine  Redeemer. 

The  writer  knew  him  well,  and  loved  him  as  a  brother  in  the 
Lord.  He  was  an  artless,  plain,  earnest  preacher  of  the  gospel, 
and  in  his  whole  life,  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  there  was  no 
guile.  Perhaps  we  cannot  better  close  this  reference  to  his  cha- 
racter and  labors,  than  by  the  introduction  of  a  truthful  eulogy, 
written  by  Rev.  H.  Keeling,  of  this  city : — 

"To  say  of  any  man,  that  in  all  the  relations  of  life  he  was 


WILLIAM   HATCH ETT.  3G3 

faithful  and  kind,  and  that  his  memory  is  irreproachable,  is  to  say 
much  ;  but  more  than  this  may  be  justly  said  of  Elder  Hatchett. 
"  That  he  was  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  talent  and  moral 
worth,  may  be  fairly  inferred  from  his  early  induction  to  the 
sacred  office,  from  the  early  and  unbroken  friendship  of  Rev. 
Richard  Dabbs,  under  whose  ministry  he  was  converted,  and  by 
whom  he  was  baptized,  and  from  the  attachment  through  life  of 
those  patriarchs  of  our  churches,  Semple  and  Broaddus,  and  both 
of  the  Montagues.  He  was  an  evangelical  preacher,  and  the 
acceptableness  and  profit  of  his  ministerial  labors  will  be  long  and 
gratefully  remembered  by  the  Beulah,  Reedy-Mills,  Concord, 
Black  Creek,  and  North  Run  Churches  and  congregations.  He 
was  particularly  distinguished  for  his  devotion  and  fervency  in 
prayer,  and  for  the  effectiveness  of  his  exhortations — gifts  of 
ministerial  excellence  very  far  superior  to  those  upon  which  a 
higher  estimate  is  usually  placed.  The  brilliant  and  profound 
belong  rather  to  the  head  than  the  heart;  and  are  compatible 
with  the  absence  of  vital  religion,  or  its  possession  in  a  very  low 
degree.  But  so  to  exhort  and  so  to  pray  as  to  enlist  the  feelings 
and  edify  the  heart  of  others,  and  to  sway  the  conduct,  are  indi- 
cations of  qualities  of  a  much  higher  order,  if  not  of  a  different 
nature. 

"  The  writer  of  this  notice  well  recollects  the  first  time  he  ever 
saw  Elder  Hatchett.     It  was  more  than  forty  years  ago,  at  the 
house  of  Rev.  Samuel  Brown,  in  the  County  of  Princess  Anne, 
on  an  excursion  for  preaching,  in  which  he  was  fulfilling  a  list  of 
appointments,  with  one  of  the  Elders  Creath.     Profession  of  re- 
ligion in  extreme  youth  was  not  so  common  then  as  now,  nor  had 
we  ever    seen   so  youthful  a  preacher   of  the    gospel.     Elder 
Hatchett  would  have  attained  to  much  greater  distinction  as  a 
preacher  than  he  did,  had  he  not  been  crippled  by  his  employ- 
Bent  through  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  the  business  of  teach- 
ng.     True,  he  was  generally  useful  in  this  capacity.    He  was  the 
;ole  instructor  of  his  own  family  of  sons  and  daughters,  until 
heir  education  fitted  them  for  college  or  for  the  avocations  of  life. 
Ind  his  pupils  always  loved  and  honored  him,  and  his  memory  is 
till  cherished  by  many  of  them,  of  both  sexes,  now  scattered  over 
his  and  other  States. 


364  WILLIAM  HATCHETT. 

"  The  duties  of  a  minister  are  sufficient,  and  more,  for  the  ener- 
gies of  any  one  mortal  man ;  and  few  men  fulfill  those  of  teacher 
alone  for  a  succession  of  years,  without  the  exhaustion  of  their 
physical  powers.  The  two,  therefore,  ought  never  to  be  united. 
A  devoted  minister  may  occasionally  teach,  or  a  devoted  teacher 
may  occasionally  preach  ;  but  for  one  man  to  be  devoted  to  both, 
is  utterly  impossible.  If  it  be  said  that  there  are  men  able  in 
both  departments,  we  admit  it;  but  while  the  learned  professor, 
with  his  one  sermon  a  year,  draws  the  attention  of  commonwealths 
of  critics,  the  servant  of  Christ,  more  ambitious  to  win  souls  than 
to  acquire  renown,  laboring  from  week  to  week  in  both  avoca- 
tions, attains  to  distinction  in  neither,  and  sinks  under  an  accumu- 
lated load  of  mental  and  moral  exertion. 

"  The  teaching  ministers  of  the  past  generation,  now  retiring 
from  their  field  of  labor,  have  many  things  in  the  retrospect,  both 
to  cheer  and  distress  them.  The  neglect  of  the  churches  to  enable 
them  to  devote  their  whole  time  to  the  ministry,  forced  them  for 
thirty  years  to  divide  their  labors  between  education  and  the 
ministry.  Hence  the  all-conquering  impulse  that  has  been  given 
to  the  cause  of  education.  Their  prospectuses,  and  reports,  and 
essays,  and,  above  all,  their  devotion  of  time  and  talent  to  teach- 
ing, has  filled  with  them  our  academies,  high-schools,  and  colleges, 
of  both  sexes,  all  over  the  land  ;  but  it  is  at  the  expense  of  there 
being  more  than  four  thousand  Baptist  churches  in  the  United 
States  destitute  of  pastors. 

"  The  last  six  years  of  our  departed  brother  were  those  of  in- 
firmity and  suffering.  His  whole  constitution  was  literally  worn 
out  by  a  complication  of  diseases.  But  his  mind  and  heart  were 
calm  and  settled,  and  his  assurance  of  acceptance  with  God  and 
glory  in  heaven  was  never  shadowed  by  a  cloud.  He  knew  in 
whom  he  had  believed,  and  could  say  with  the  Apostle,  '  I  am  per- 
suaded he  is  able  to  keep  that  which  I  have  committed  unto  him 
against  that  day.'  Early  in  July,  he  had  with  his  family  repaired 
to  Ellington,  the  residence  of  his  brother-in-law,  Rev.  Thomas 
H.  Fox,  with  a  view  to  recreation  and  health.  But  there  he  was 
met  by  paralysis,  which  nearly  prostrated  him.  He  continued, 
nevertheless,  to  attend  family  worship,  until,  after  a  few  weeks,  a 


JESSE   WITT.  365 

second  stroke  of  the  same  disease  overthrew  his  reason,  crushed 
his  physical  powers,  and  released  him  from  an  earthly  pilgrimage, 
the  toils  of  which  he  had  faithfully  performed  and  the  afflictions 
of  which  he  had  patiently  endured." 


JESSE  WITT. 

FEW  men  have  occupied  a  more  conspicuous  place  in  the  regards 
of  Virginia  Baptists  than  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  was  a 
serious,  earnest  man,  employing  talents  of  a  high  order,  with  un- 
failing devotion  to  the  interests  of  his  fellow-men  and  to  the  honor 
of  Chdst.  Not  only  among  the  churches  he  served,  but  in  almost 
every  part  of  the  State,  he  was  recognized  as  one  loved  for  his 
work's  sake.  Meek  and  unassuming  in  manner,  gentle  and  kind 
in  spirit,  he  found  his  way  to  the  hearts  of  thousands.  Nor  were 
his  brethren  deceived,  as  a  more  intimate  and  prolonged  acquaint- 
ance better  revealed  his  character.  "We  shall  chiefly  avail  our- 
selves of  the  reminiscences  of  others  in  making  out  this  brief 
tribute  to  his  memory.  No  one  was  better  prepared  to  under- 
stand and  appreciate  his  character  than  his  surviving  brother,  Rev. 
Daniel  Witt,  from  whom  we  gather  many  particulars,  which  are 
given  in  his  own  words : — 

"ELDER  JESSE  WITT  was  born  on  the  16th  of  March,  1797,  in 
the  town  of  Liberty,  Bedford  County,  Virginia.  He  was  the  son 
of  Jesse  and  Alice  Witt.  On  the  side  of  his  father  he  was  a  de- 
scendant of  a  Huguenot  family,  which  settled  at  Manakin  Town 
ferry,  in  the  early  history  of  this  country.  He  seemed  to  have 
inherited  their  hatred  of  oppression,  their  love  of  '  soul  liberty,' 
and  their  attachment  to  the  principles  of  evangelical  religion. 
He  was  a  soldier  in  the  revolutionary  war,  and  fou,ght  in  several 
of  its  fiercest  battles.  But  his  three  years'  active  service  in  the 
field  made  him  a  cripple  for  life.  From  my  earliest  recollection, 
he  walked  on  crutches.  Being  an  invalid,  he  was  necessarily  cut 
off  from  the  active  pursuits  of  a  business  life,  and  he  spent  most  of 

31* 


CG6  JESSE  WITT. 

his  years  in  reading  and  study.  He  had  a  large  fund  of  informa- 
tion in  his  head,  gathered  from  various  sources ;  and  a  large  share 
of  grace  in  his  heart,  gathered  from  the  only  source  whence  grace 
proceeds. 

"  He  despised  whatever  was  wrong  with  utter  abhorrence ;  he 
loved  everything  that  was  good  with  no  half-hearted  attachment, 
but  with  an  undivided  soul.  Being  a  man  of  great  decision,  he 
was  not  wanting  in  the  exercise  of  authority  in  his  family.  But 
his  government  was  exercised  with  moderation,  and  characterized 
by  stern  integrity  and  unquestionable  piety.  Our  mother  was  of 
Irish  origin  on  the  maternal  side  ;  and  although  many  years  have 
passed  since  she  went  to  sleep  in  the  grave,  I  still  remember,  with 
distinctness,  the  sprightliness  of  her  mind,  the  mildness  and  meek- 
ness of  her  behavior,  the  deathless  love  which  she  bore  to  her  chil- 
dren, her  constant  desire  to  instill  into  their  youthful  minds  the 
fear  of  the  Lord,  and  the  principles  of  piety.  And,  notwith- 
standing gray  hairs  are  on  my  head,  and  age  is  furrowing  my 
cheeks,  I  still  see  her  form,  and  hear  her  voice  of  tenderness  and 
love,  as  once  I  heard  it  in  the  morning  of  my  life. 

"  With  the  advantages  of  such  parental  instruction  and  pious 
example,  it  is  not  surprising  that,  under  the  guidance  and  bless- 
ing of  the  Lord,  my  dear  brother  was  brought  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  truth  in  early  life.  I  have  a  clear  remembrance  of  the 
circumstances  connected  with  his  conversion.  He  was  laid,  in  the 
twentieth  year  of  his  age,  upon  a  bed  of  affliction.  His  disease 
threatened  a  fatal  termination.  He  felt  that  he  was  not  prepared 
to  die.  The  admonitions  and  the  vows  of  his  former  life  came  up 
to  his  mind.  He  tossed  day  and  night  in  restlessness,  more  dis- 
tressed with  conviction  for  his  sins  than  disturbed  with  the  fever 
which  seemed  to  be  consuming  his  vitals.  He  was  the  subject  of 
deep  religious  concern  for  several  weeks. 

"At  last  his  heart  found  hope  and  peace  by  trusting  in  Christ; 
and  the  whole  history  of  his  future  life  evinced  the  genuineness  of 
the  change,  which,  in  that  hour,  was  wrought  in  his  character. 
From  a  gay  and  thoughtless  young  man,  he  became  an  humble, 
serious  Christian.  From  that  day  he  laid  aside  his  worldliness, 
his  ambition,  and  his  pride,  and  became  a  self-denying  and  labori- 
ous minister  of  the  gospel. 


JESSE   WITT.  3G7 

"He  was  married  to  Miss  Susan  Hardy,  of  his  native  county, 
in  early  life.  I  think  it  was  two  year*  after  his  conversion  before 
he  put  on  Christ  in  baptism.  We  were  laid  in  the  same  liquid 
grave,  in  the  same  pool,  on  the  same  day,  by  the  same  hands.  We 
were  baptized,  with  eight  other  persons,  by  Elder  William  Harris, 
on  the  second  Lord's  day  in  December,  1821.  I  began  to  preach 
Christ  to  the  people  immediately  after  my  union  with  the  church ; 
he,  being  perplexed  with  the  cares  of  an  increasing  family,  did  not 
commence  his  ministry  until  about  three  years  afterwards.  He 
removed  to  the  County  of  Botetourt  soon  after  his  baptism,  where 
he  taught  school  for  several  years.  In  this  county  he  began  to 
preach,  and  received  a  license  from  the  Blue  Ridge  Church  to 
preach  the  '  glorious  gospel  of  the  blessed  God,'  about  the  year 
1825. 

"  He  was  ordained  to  the  full  work  of  the  Christian  ministry 
on  the  15th  of  September,  1827,  by  Elders  W.  Leftwich,  W. 
Harris,  J.  Leftwich,  and  A.  C.  Dempsey.  He  soon  returned  to 
his  native  County  of  Bedford,  and  preached  extensively  and  suc- 
cessfully through  that  region  for  several  years.  He  served,  at 
various  times,  the  churches  of  Liberty,  Mount  Zion,  Hatchers, 
Timber  Ridge,  and  Bethlehem.  It  was  a  period  of  revivals,  and 
the  Lord  added  many  seals  to  his  ministry.  I  am  not  able  to 
say  how  many  persons  were  baptized  by  him ;  but  I  know  that 
hundreds  of  people  looked  up  to  him  as  their  spiritual  father, 
and  received  their  first  religious  impressions  from  his  faithful 
labors." 

As  stated  by  his  brother  in  the  above  language,  hundreds  in 
the  upper  country  will  find  occasion  to  rejoice  in  God  their  Sa- 
viour through  his  instrumentality.  We  now  turn  to  notice  his 
removal  from  the  mountain  region  and  his  entrance  upon  a  new 
field.  In  doing  this  we  prefer  to  avail  ourselves  of  some  personal 
recollection  from  the  pen  of  Rev.  Cornelius  Tyree : — 

"In  the  year  1836  Elder  Edward  Baptist  resigned  his  care  of 
Muddy  Creek  Church,  Powhatan  County,  and  recommeuded,  as 
a  suitable  successor,  Elder  J.  Witt.  He  was  accordingly  unani- 
mously elected,  and  in  the  fall  of  1837  he  removed  from  Bedford 
and  settled  in  Powhatan,  as  the  pastor  of  Muddy  Creek  Church. 
This  large  church  worshiped  in  three  houses  —  Muddy  Creek, 


303  JESSE   WITT. 

Peterville,  and  Fine  Creek.  He  also  became  the  pastor  of  Mount 
Tabor  Church,  in  Amelia  County,  to  which  lie  preached  one  Sab- 
bath in  each  month.  Of  these  churches  he  remained  the  pastor 
seven  years,  at  the  end  of  which  he,  much  to  the  regret  of  his 
endeared  people,  resigned  the  pastorate  and  became  the  agent  of 
the  General  Association  of  Virginia. 

"As  a  man  and  as  a  minister,  his  influence  in  Powhatan  was 
extensive.  Under  his  preaching,  not  only  many  of  the  poor  and 
middle  class  of  society  were  brought  into  the  churches  under  his 
care,  but  a  good  proportion  of  the  first  class  for  influence  and 
intelligence.  No  minister  of  any  denomination  wielded  such  au 
influence  as  a  minister,  over  all  classes,  as  he  did.  While  the 
poor  and  the  common  people  heard  him  gladly,  he  was  the 
greatest  favorite  with  the  wealthy  and  intelligent.  And  one 
defect,  perhaps,  in  Elder  Witt  was,  that  he  did  not  bring  to  prac- 
tical results  his  influence  with  this  latter  class,  that  he  most  likely 
would  have  done,  had  he  sought  their  society.  It  is  believed 
that  there  are  many  now  in  the  other  churches,  who  were 
awakened  by  Elder  Witt's  preaching,  and  who  would  now  be 
Baptists,  had  he  followed  up  the  effects  of  his  preaching  by  pas- 
toral appliances.  From  education  and  timidity,  he  rather  avoided 
the  society  of  such.  This  was  a  defect. 

"Still,  on  the  entire  community  he  has  left  his  mark.  The 
cause  of  Christ  was  much  elevated  in  the  county  by  his  preaching 
and  weight  of  character.  Nor  was  his  influence  felt  alone  in  his 
own  churches.  He  preached  often  in  the  adjacent  counties  with 
marked  effect.  The  Middle  District  Association  is  now  one  of 
the  most  active  bodies  in  the  State,  and  it  is  acknowledged  on  all 
hands  that  Elder  Witt  was  the  chief  instrument  in  revolutionizing 
this  ancient  body  from  their  inactivity.  He  was  among  the  first, 
if  not  the  first,  to  awaken  the  churches  in  the  counties  around  to 
a  sense  of  their  obligation  to  spread  the  gospel. 

"  It  was  as  a  preacher  he  did  most  for  the  cause  of  Christ.  At 
all  of  his  places,  in  his  own  church,  and  whenever  he  had  appoint- 
ments abroad,  he  drew  large  congregations.  Often  in  preaching 
he  did  not  equal  himself,  but  occasionally  he  preached  with  sur- 
passing power.  His  successor  often  hears  the  older  members 
give  an  account  of  such  sermons  and  their  thrilling  effect. 


JESSE   WITT.  369 

"  He  was  powerful  in  prayer.  The  writer  does  not  believe  he 
has  ever  heard  any  one  who  equaled  him  in  the  gift  of  addressing 
God  in  behalf  of  the  people.  His  manner  and  matter  of  praying 
were  well  adapted  to  awe  the  most  thoughtless  auditory  into  a 
preparation  for  hearing  the  sermon. 

"He  excelled  in  the  delicate  and  difficult  duty  of  preaching 
funeral  sermons.  Among  the  most  eloquent  and  useful  sermons 
he  ever  preached,  in  Powhatan,  were  sermons  of  this  class.  His 
master-effort  of  this  sort  was  the  funeral  sermon  of  Captain  Thomas 
Miller,  one  of  the  most  intelligent  and  influential  citizens  in  Pow- 
hatan. He  had  left  the  Episcopal  church,  and  been  baptized  by 
Elder  Witt.  It  was  he  who,  when  he  rose  out  of  the  water,  ex- 
claimed, 'Now  I  know  I  am  baptized.'  Between  Captain  Miller 
and  his  pastor  there  existed  a  great  mutual  attachment.  Before 
the  death  of  the  former,  he  requested  that  Elder  Witt  should 
preach  his  funeral  from  Psalm  cxix.  75:  'I  know,  0  Lord,  that 
thy  judgments  are  right,  and  that  thou  in  faithfulness  hast 
afflicted  me.'  The  congregation  assembled  to  hear  this  sermon 
was  unusually  large  and  intelligent.  The  theme  of  the  preacher 
was  the  government  and  special  providence  of  God,  and  never 
did  the  writer  hear  this  subject  so  ably  handled.  In  this  sermon 
this  beautiful  thought  occurred :  said  he,  '  we  do  not  appreciate 
blessings  till  they  are  removed  from  us ;  Dr.  Young  illustrates 
this  idea  by  referring  to  a  bird,  the  beauty  of  whose  plumage  is 
not  seen  till  it  flies  off.  Hence,  he  says,  "  Blessings  brighten  as 
they  leave."  So,'  said  the  preacher,  '  of  the  friend  whose  loss  we 
mourn,  and  so  of  all  blessings.  We  know  their  value  by  their 
loss.' 

"  In  some  essential  respects  Elder  Witt  was  a  good  pastor. 
His  executive  talents  were  of  a  high  order.  In  all  matters  of  dis- 
cipline, in  everything  that  concerned  the  purity  and  harmony  of 
the  churches,  he  was  prompt,  fearless,  and  uncompromising.  In 
these  respects  his  successor  sees  the  good  effects  of  his  pastoral 
labors.  Still,  in  other  respects  he  was  defective  as  a  pastor.  He 
did  not  sufficiently  inculcate  among  his  people  the  more  active 
duties  of  religion ;  not  that  he  preached  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel 
too  much,  but  he  did  not  urge  with  sufficient  prominence  the  im- 
portance of  prayer-meetings,  Sabbath-schools,  and  liberality  for 

VOL.  II. — Y 


810  JESSE   WITT. 

the  spread  of  the  gospel.  These  pastoral  defects  were,  however, 
more  prevalent  then  than  now. 

"During  his  seven  years' connection  with  the  churches  in  Pow- 
hatan  there  was  great  gain  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  The  member- 
ship of  the  churches  increased  nearly  a  third,  and  in  this  number 
were  many  whose  character  and  social  position  make  them  among 
the  most  valuable  members  that  belong  to  our  churches  in  this  or 
in  any  other  community ;  and  while  the  activity  of  the  member- 
ship was  not  proportionately  developed,  still  they  were  well 
trained  in  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  and  their  spirituality  and 
general  Christian  character  were  greatly  improved." 

For  a  series  of  years  we  thus  find  Elder  Witt  engaged  in  the 
pastoral  work,  and  occupying,  with  great  advantage  to  the  cause, 
a  large  field.  But  God  was  preparing  him  for  a  still  larger 
field.  In  the  year  1843  that  excellent  and  laborious  servant  of  the 
churches,  Elder  Y.  M.  Mason,  having  been  called  away  by  death,  in 
the  month  of  December  of  the  same  year,  Mr.  Witt  was  appointed 
to  fill  his  place,  in  the  agency  of  the  General  Association  of  Vir- 
ginia. The  duties  now  devolving  upon  him  were  of  the  most 
arduous  character.  Almost  every  part  of  Virginia  was  visited  in 
the  course  of  his  labors  for  the  Board.  Neither  summer's  heat 
nor  winter's  cold  was  suffered  to  interfere  with  his  toilsome  jour- 
neys. He  continued  in  this  agency  until  June,  1847,  when,  having 
been  urged  to  enter  the  service  of  the  Domestic  Mission  Board, 
as  their  missionary  to  Texas,  he  tendered  his  resignation.  It 
was  received  with  the  deepest  regret.  The  General  Association, 
in  his  removal,  lost  a  most  valued  and  efficient  laborer.  He  had 
been  eminently  successful  in  their  employ. 

He  removed  to  Texas  in  the  fall  of  1847.  It  was  a  most  pain- 
ful trial  to  tear  himself  away  from  the  loved  associations  of  his 
native  State.  His  brother  Daniel  thus  touchingly  refers  to  the 
separation : — 

"  How  often  comes  up  to  my  mind,  as  I  look  back  in  retrospect 
of  the  past,  the  scenes  of  other  years  —  scenes  in  which  the 
lamented  brother,  whose  death  we  so  deeply  deplore,  bore  a  part! 
I  remember  the  aspirations  of  his  youth  ;  the  circumstances  of 
his  return  to  God ;  the  struggles  of  his  early  Christian  life  ;  the 
difficulties  which  encompassed  him  upon  his  very  entrance  iuto 


JESSE   WITT.  371 

the  ministry,  and  which  followed  him  to  the  end  of  his  days ;  the 
success  with  which  he  met,  and  the  ardent  devotion  of  his  heart  to 
the  promotion  of  every  good  work.  Especially  do  I  remember,  with 
the  greatest  distinctness,  onr  last  painful  parting,  in  my  own 
chamber.  The  wagons  were  loaded,  everything  was  ready  for  his 
departure ;  still  he  lingered,  as  if  he  could  not  go.  He  fell  on  my 
neck,  he  embraced  me,  he  kissed  me,  and  after  weeping  long  and 
loud,  he  tore  himself  away,  with  a  last,  sad  farewell.  I  felt  that 
it  was  a  last  adieu.  He  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  go  far  hence,  to 
labor  in  other  lands.  I  felt  it  to  be  my  duty  to  remain  at  my 
humble  post,  and  do  what  I  could  to  advance  the  cause  of  Christ 
among  the  people  of  my  first  pastoral  charge." 

It  was  the  privilege  of  the  writer  to  meet  him  in  the  City  of 
Memphis,  on  the  way  to  his  new  Western  home.  Being  there  on 
official  duty,  it  was  made  known  that  a  Baptist  minister  from  Vir- 
ginia was  camping  outside  of  the  city.  In  the  midst  of  a  drench- 
ing rain  we  hastened  to  the  spot.  With  surprise  and  delight  it 
was  found  to  be  our  dearly  beloved  brother,  Jesse  Witt,  and  his 
family.  They  had  traveled  the  entire  distance  in  small  wagons. 
They  and  their  horses  were  almost  worn  out;  and  it  seemed  impos- 
sible that  the  still  long  journey  before  them  could  be  prosecuted. 
To  us  it  was.  deeply  and  painfully  affecting.  But  he  was  uncom- 
plaining, patient,  and  even  cheerful.  He  seemed  only  to  suffer 
on  account  of  his  wife,  whose  strength  was  nearly  exhausted.  We 
succeeded  in  securing  for  the  whole  family  and  their  equipage  a 
passage  for  three  or  four  hundred  miles,  on  one  of  the  splendid 
steamers  passing  down  the  river,  and  thus  greatly  diminished  the 
fatigue  of  the  journey.  This  was  the  last  time  we  saw  him.  His 
health  was  feeble,  and  the  indications  were,  that  his  earthly  career 
would  be  brief. 

He  entered  upon  his  new  labors  with  characteristic  energy, 
aiming,  as  his  brother  beautifully  expresses  it,  "to  plant  the  rose 
of  Sharon  in  the  Southern  sunny  field,  which  had  now  become  his 
home."  But  soon  new  trials  were  suffered,  and  "  waters  of  a  full 
cup"  were  wrung  out  to  him.  His  eldest  son  and  the  companion 
of  his  life  were  cut  down,  and  his  own  life  brought  near  to  the 
grave.  But  his  faith  failed  not.  "In  all  this  he  sinned  not,  nor 
charged  God  foolishly."  He  continued  still,  as  his  health  allowed, 


372  JESSE   WITT. 

to  prosecute  his  work.  Nor  were  the  demonstrations  of  the 
Divine  blessing  wanting.  As  iu  Virginia,  many  a  family  in  Texas 
were  made  to  rejoice  in  his  ministrations. 

It  is  wonderful  that  one  whose  constitution  seemed  so  frail,  and 
who  suffered  so  many  physical  infirmities,  should  have  effected  so 
much.  Most  men  would  have  retired  from  their  work.  His  con- 
science would  not  permit  him  to  end  his  labors  but  with  life. 
With  strong  will,  and  a  heart  beating  responsively  to  the  Divine 
claim,  he  toiled  on  as  long  as  his  strength  would  permit.  But 
the  period  of  his  dismissal  at  length  came.  His  Master  called  him 
up  to  the  rest  of  heaven.  His  brother  thus  alludes  to  the  closing 
scene  : — 

"  My  beloved  brother  died  suddenly.  I  received  a  letter  from 
him,  written  only  seven  days  before  his  death,  in  which  he  spoke 
of  his  future  plans,  and  was  certainly  entertaining  hopes  of  better 
health.  He  had  been  suffering  for  several  years  with  some  strange 
pulmonary  disease,  which  had  almost  entirely  laid  him  aside  from 
the  active  duties  of  his  ministry.  But  for  the  last  few  months  of  his 
life  his  health  seemed  to  have  rallied  considerably,  and  he  looked 
forward  with  pleasure  to  a  time  when  he  would  be  able  to  preach 
again  to  dying  sinners.  But  that  time  never  came  to  hinou.  His 
Master  had  prepared  something  better  for  his  enjoyment  in  the 
world  of  bliss.  On  the  day  of  his  death  he  seemed  to  be  buoyed 
up  with  unusual  strength  and  spirits.  He  had  just  returned  from 
a  long  excursion,  and  intended  a  removal  from  Marshall  in  a  few 
mouths,  to  some  place  in  Western  Texas,  which  he  had  selected 
as  his  last  home,  and  where  he  proposed  to  spend  the  evening  of 
his  life.  After  dinner  his  son  left  him  sitting  by  his  chamber  fire, 
and  went  into  an  adjoining  room  for  a  few  minutes.  On  his  return 
he  found  him  tying  quietly  on  his  bed.  He  supposed  he  had  fallen 
into  a  slumber.  He  looked  into  his  face,  he  felt  his  pulse,  he 
called  to  him:  he  was  dead!  In  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  and 
without  pain,  he  passed  away.  Alas,  my  brother  !" 

This  event  occurred  in  the  town  of  Marshall,  Harrison  County, 
Texas,  on  Lord's  day  evening,  November  21,  1858.  He  thus 
suddenly  entered  upon  the  saint's  everlasting  rest. 

Rev.  J.  W.  D.  Creath,  of  Huntsville,  Texas,  who  had  known 


JESSE   AYITT.  373 

and  labored  with  him,  both  in  Virginia  and  Texas,  thus  refers  to 
his  talents  and  character : — 

"  We  feel  of  a  truth,  that,  as  it  was  said  of  Abner,  when  he 
fell,  so  it  may  be  said  of  our  lamented  brother :  '  Know  ye  not 
that  there  is  a  prince  and  a  great  man  fallen  this  day  in 
Israel ?' 

"  Elder  Witt  was  great  in  goodness.  For  thirty-seven  years 
he  maintained  an  unspotted  Christian  character,  and  for  thirty 
odd  years  did  he  labor  in  his  Master's  vineyard. 
^X  "  He  was  great  intellectually.  It  was  not  his  privilege  to  enjoy 
a  classical  education.  His  mind  was  naturally  strong,  clear,  vigor- 
ous, and  quick  to  perceive  and  to  grasp  a  subject.  He  was  a 
self-educated  and  self-made  man. 

"As  a  pulpit  orator  he  had  not  his  equal  in  Texas,  (and  but 
few  out  of  it,)  of  any  denomination.  His  eloquence  seemed  very 
much  like  that  of  the  celebrated  Straughan,  Lunsford,  and  Broad- 
dus,  of  his  native  State ;  and  yet  it  seemed  perfectly  natural  to  him. 

"  He  was  most  sublime  when  dwelling  upon  the  cross,  and 
when  contemplating  the  riches  of  sovereign  grace,  and  in  his 
description  of  heaven. 

"  He  was  sound  as  a  theologian,  in  all  the  precious  doctrines 
of  the  cross ;  and  it  was  this  that  made  his  pulpit  efforts  at  times 
so  overpowering  and  transporting. 

"He  was  a  firm  believer  in  God's  predestinating  love  in  Christ, 
as  taught  in  the  Bible — his  sovereign  and  electing  grace  in  Christ 
before  the  foundation  of  the  world.  He  loved  to  talk  of,  and  to 
preach  salvation  alone  by  faith,  through  the  imputed  righteous- 
ness of  Christ.  He  delighted  to  dwell  upon  the  certain  and  eter- 
nal salvation  of  all  true  believers,  and  that  they  are  kept  by  the 
power  of  God  through  faith. 

"  On  the  ordinances,  the  organization  and  government  of  the 
kingdom  of  Christ,  he  was  as  sound  as  any  man,  living  or  dead, 
of  whom  we  have  any  knowledge. 

"The  writer  has  often  mingled  in  the  family  circle  of  our 
departed  brother.  He  was  a  kind  and  devoted  husband,  an 
affectionate  parent,  and  a  humane  master. 

"As  a  minister  of  Christ,  Elder  Witt  was  a  Christian  gentle- 
man. To  us  it  seems  mysterious  that  one  so  eminent,  and  wise 

VOL.  n.  32 


374  JESSE   WITT. 

to  win  souls,  should  have  been  cut  down  so  suddenly,  without 
having  an  opportunity  to  leave  us  some  of  his  dying  expressions, 
and  his  last  testimony  to  the  power  of  the  Cross  to  save.  But  the 
Lord  reigneth.  Elder  Witt's  record  is  on  high. 

"  The  Baptists  of  Texas  feel  that  in  the  death  of  Elder  Witt 
they  have  lost  a  wise  counselor,  a  judicious  and  beloved  brother ; 
and  that  a  pillar  has  been  removed  from  the  temple  of  God.  He 
had  fought  a  good  fight,  he  had  kept  the  faith,  and  is  now  rejoicing 
in  the  crown  laid  up  above. 

"  He  has  ceased  from  his  labors,  but  his  works  do  follow. 
Long  will  his  memory  be  cherished  in  his  native  State  by  those 
who  knew  him  best,  as  well  as  in  this  his  adopted  State.  '  Let 
me  die  the  death  of  the  righteous.'" 

The  following  reminiscence  is  recorded  by  one  who  knew  him 
well :  "In  August  of  the  year  1833,  the  Mount  Moriah  Church, 
in  Amherst  County,  appointed  a  protracted  meeting.  The  pas- 
tor, Elder  John  Davis,  had  given  notice  that  he  expected  the 
services  of  Elder  Witt,  of  Bedford.  A  large  congregation  met 
on  Saturday,  under  an  arbor.  All  eyes  were  on  the  watch  for 
the  strange  preacher.  At  length  he  rode  up.  His  horse,  dress, 
saddle-bags,  and  general  appearance,  were  not  prepossessing. 
He  had  neither  fame  nor  personal  appearance  to  excite  high 
expectation.  The  congregation  was  one  of  more  than  ordinary 
intelligence.  He  soon  arose,  and  read  for  his  text  these  words 
of  Ezekiel:  'I  will  give  them  one  heart,  I  will  put  a  new  spirit 
within  them ;  and  I  will  take  away  the  stony  heart  out  of  their 
flesh,  and  give  them  an  heart  of  flesh ;  that  they  may  walk  in  my 
statutes  and  keep  mine  ordinances,  and  do  them  :  and  they  shall 
be  my  people,  and  I  will  be  their  God.'  Never  was  a  congrega- 
tion more  agreeably  disappointed  and  deeply  interested.  They 
had  not  heard  such  preaching  before.  The  nature  of  genuine 
religion,  the  depravity  of  the  heart,  the  change  that  grace  effects 
in  it,  the  obedience  that  follows,  and  the  blessed  privileges  of  the 
Christian,  were  explained  and  enforced  with  such  point  and  clear- 
ness, with  such  spontaneous  freshness,  peculiar  earnestness  and 
power,  that  the  entire  assembly  were  deeply  impressed  with  the 
great  subject  of  religion.  The  preacher  wept,  and  so  did  saint 
and  sinner.  The  congregation  dispersed,  and  noised  it  abroad 


JESSE   WITT.  375 

that  such  a  preacher  had  never  been  in  Amherst.  The  next  day 
was  a  beautiful  Sabbath.  An  immense  crowd  assembled  to  hear 
the  new  preacher.  On  Sunday  his  text  was,  '  Ye  cannot  serve 
God  and  mammon.'  This  was  a  masterly  effort.  For  true  elo- 
quence and  effect,  it  surpassed  the  one  on  Saturday.  Men  who 
were  never  known  to  feel  under  preaching,  were  melted  into  tears. 
He  preached  also  with  great  power  on  Monday. 

"  The  effect  of  these  sermons  on  the  community  was  marvelous. 
The  result  of  his  brief  labors  was  a  bright  epoch  in  the  history  of 
that  church.  Several  men  of  intelligence  and  influence,  who  had 
been  infidels,  were  convinced  and  converted.  One  of  them  is  now 
a  minister.  Christians  were  aroused  from  their  supineness,  and 
the  standard  of  Christianity  greatly  elevated.  Many  now  on  earth 
remember  that  meeting,  and  many  will  remember  it  to  eternity. 
The  writer  of  this  incident  was  then  youug  in  years,  and  a  babe  in 
Christ,  but  he  remembers  more  distinctly  those  sermons  of  Elder 
Witt  than  any  he  has  since  heard.  Perhaps  no  other  sermons 
ever  so  much  benefited  him.  He  thought  then,  and  thinks  now, 
that  Elder  Jesse  Witt  was  one  of  the  most  truly  eloquent 
preachers  he  has  ever  heard.  He  possessed  what  many  ministers 
of  more  note  are  deficient  in,  the  power  of  impressing  and  per- 
suading the  hearer." 

Another  extract,  from  the  pen  of  his  brother,  will  close  this 
sketch : — 

"  I  say  nothing  of  the  character  of  my  dear  brother.  I  dare  not 
trust  my  pen  upon  such  a  subject ;  and  it  is  manifestly  improper 
that  my  partial  pen  should  draw  his  portrait.  But  surely  I  may 
be  allowed  to  say  to  you,  that  in  a  wide  and  long  acquaintance 
with  men,  I  have  known  no  one  more  faithful,  true,  laborious, 
trustworthy,  and  pious,  than  the  lamented  subject  of  these  lines ; 
and  but  few  more  able  and  effective  preachers.  But  he  has  ceased 
from  his  labors,  and,  I  trust,  has  heard  the  words,  '  Well  done, 
good  and  faithful  servant.'  Life  seemed  to  have  become  a  burden 
to  him.  The  most  of  his  family  preceded  him  to  the  grave.  His 
wife  and  his  eldest  son  sleep  with  him  in  the  cemetery  at  Marshall. 
Six  of  his  children  are  buried  in  Virginia.  Two  only  remain  of  a 
family  of  twelve  persons.  He  had  borne  many  disappointments 
and  sorrows.  For  long  years  he  dragged  along  through  the  world 


376  SAMUEL   BROWN. 

a  body  wasting  away  under  an  incurable  disease.  He  was  emi- 
nently prepared,  by  Divine  grace  and  by  a  protracted  course  of 
providential  discipline,  for  a  better  world  ;  and  he  has  reached  the 
summit  of  his  hopes,  in  the  fruition  of  the  heavenly  blessedness. 
Rest  from  thy  labors,  dear  brother,  rest !  And  though  he  sleeps 
far  from  the  graves  of  those  he  once  loved,  and  far  from  the  home 
of  his  youth,  yet  his  is  a  blessed  repose,  from  which  none  ever 
wake  to  weep." 


SAMUEL   BROWN. 

THE  brief  record  here  made  was  prepared  by  Rev.  Thomas 
Hume,  and  appended  to  the  Minutes  of  the  Portsmouth  Associa- 
tion for  1840. 

ELDER  SAMUEL  BROWN  was  born  in  the  year  1775,  in  the 
County  of  Princess  Anne.  In  this  county  he  continued  to  reside 
until  within  eighteen  months  of  his  death.  He  was  baptized 
about  the  year  1805,  by  the  late  Elder  William  Brown,  who  was 
settled  in  Sussex  County,  but  was  accustomed  to  itinerant  among 
the  churches  in  the  lower  part  of  this  Association.  At  the  time 
Elder  Samuel  Brown  was  baptized,  there  were  but  few  active 
ministers  in  his  region  of  country.  His  soul  was  moved  in  view 
of  such  destitution,  and  though  there  were  many  things  to  keep 
him  back,  he  early  began  to  preach  Jesus.  The  churches  at 
Black-water,  Pungo,  and  North-west,  were  supplied  by  him  for 
many  years.  His  preaching  was  much  blessed  to  the  salvation 
of  sinners,  and  the  building  up  of  saints.  He  had  not  enjoyed, 
indeed,  early  opportunities  to  any  great  degree,  nor  was  he  natu- 
rally possessed  with  strong  powers  of  mind,  but  he  loved  "  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,"  and  he  had  that  sweet  experience  of  its 
power  and  preciousness  which  are  the  first  requisites  to  the  suc- 
cessful proclamation  of  the  gospel.  His  deficiencies  he  often 
lamented ;  and  would  have  abandoned  the  work,  but  for  the  love 
which  he  bore  to  souls,  and  the  desolation  which  reigned  in  the 
garden  of  his  Lord.  In  the  community  generally,  he  was  highly 


JOHN   CARTER.  377 

esteemed ;  for  while  his  labors  were  owned  of  God  to  the  good 
of  the  people,  his  life  accorded  with  his  profession. 

During  the  last  four  or  five  years  he  had  preached  little 
Declining  health,  and  attention  to  his  secular  affairs,  prevented 
activity.  He  had  removed  to  the  town  of  Norfolk  about  eighteen 
months  previous  to  his  death,  and  thus  he  was  more  withdrawn 
from  the  ministry.  His  last  illness  was  of  short  duration,  though 
his  wasting  flesh  and  enfeebled  frame  admonished  him  many 
months  previous,  that  his  course  was  nearly  finished.  Death  had 
no  terrors  to  him;  he  had  lived  here  as  a  sojourner  only,  feeling 
that  heaven  was  his  home ;  and,  trusting  in  the  all-sufficient  grace 
of  Jesus,  he  peacefully  closed  his  eyes  upon  the  scenes  of  earth, 
to  open  them  on  a  brighter  world,  leaving  to  his  affectionate  wife, 
his  two  tender  children,  and  to  his  brethren  in  Christ,  the  con- 
soling assurance  that  their  loss  was  his  gain. 


JOHN    CARTER. 

ALTHOUGH  information  has  been  diligently  sought,  it  has  been 
sought  in  vain,  respecting  the  birth,  conversion,  and  entrance  into 
the  ministry  of  this  good  man.  More  than  thirty  years  ago,  the 
writer  became  acquainted  with  him.  At  that  time,  he  was  the 
effective  pastor  of  what  was  then  called  Boar  Swamp,  but  now 
Antioch  Church,  about  twelve  miles  east  from  the  City  of  Rich- 
mond. He  was  then  exercising  a  happy  influence  over  that  body 
of  disciples.  So  far  as  ascertained,  he  assumed  the  pastoral 
oversight  only  in  this  instance.  His  time  and  attention  were 
wholly  given  to  this  field.  And  it  is  saying  much  for  his  charac- 
ter, to  record  the  fact  that,  living  among  his  flock,  no  man  in  the 
ministry  occupied  a  higher  place  than  he  in  their  affections. 
They  were  glad  to  welcome  others,  but  their  pastor  was  loved 
above  all  others.  His  residence  was  near  the  house  of  worship, 
and  he  seldom  attended  or  preached  elsewhere. 

His  talents  as  a  preacher  were  not  such  as  to  attract  observa 
tion,  or  to  secure  for  him  notoriety  as  "an  eloquent  man,  and 

32* 


378  JOHN  CARTER. 

mighty  in  the  Scriptures."  But  ho,  nevertheless,  commended  him- 
self to  the  consciences  of  men,  in  the  fear  of  God.  His  speech 
was  slow  and  hesitating,  but  those  who  listened  and  attended  to 
his  words,  soon  saw  that  he  was  not  without  clear  views  of  the 
subject,  and  that  he  had  been  contemplating  it  in  the  light  of 
God's  word.  Many  a  man  who  has  attained  to  greater  popularity 
as  a  declaimer,  fell  far  below  him  in  originality  of  conception  and 
vigor  of  thought.  Hence  his  own  congregation,  who  waited  on 
his  regular  ministry,  were  best  prepared  to  appreciate  his  talents 
as  a  preacher.  His  retiring  modesty,  and  unaffected  simplicity, 
unfitted  him  for  those  occasions  where  men  may  to  advantage 
exhibit  their  oratorical  powers.  He  seemed  wholly  unconscious 
of  any  power  to  please  or  improve  others,  but  was  pressed  on  to 
teach  and  preach  the  gospel,  by  his  very  love  of  the  gospel.  Of 
himself,  he  could  never,  and  did  never  boast ;  but  he  was  not 
ashamed  of  the  gospel  of  Christ.  It  may  be  said,  too,  that  in 
general  cultivation,  and  knowledge  of  spiritual  truth,  he  was  far 
above  the  people  to  whom  he  ministered.  His  influence  among 
them  was  all-powerful.  They  knew  him  well,  and  they  looked  up 
to  him  as  a  counselor  in  whom  they  might  well  confide. 

His  character  was  unspotted.  This  was  one  of  the  secrets  of 
his  great  influence.  Naturally  amiable,  in  manners  bland  and 
courteous,  with  open,  benevolent  countenance,  he  was  never  met 
but  with  a  feeling  of  mingled  respect  and  esteem. 

In  the  sphere  occupied  by  him,  he  was  eminently  useful.  The 
neighborhood  of  such  a  city  as  Richmond  is  always  exposed  to 
peculiar  temptations  to  evil.  The  ameliorating  and  conservative 
power  of  the  gospel  was  remarkably  developed  within  the  range 
of  Elder  Carter's  labors.  He  gathered  around  him  an  interesting 
and  efficient  church,  and  the  whole  community  was  affected  by  its 
influence. 

The  precise  time  of  Elder  Carter's  death  is  not  known  to  the 
writer.  He  was  permitted  to  reach  a  good  old  age,  and  to  know 
that  he  had  not  in  his  Master's  service  labored  in  vain,  or  spent 
his  strength  for  naught.  It  was  his  privilege,  also,  before  his 
death,  to  welcome  into  association  with  himself,  in  the  Christian 
ministry,  his  own  son,  Dr.  John  G.  Carter. 


SMITH  SHERWOOD.  379 


SMITH    SHERWOOD. 

WE  are  indebted  to  the  pen  of  Rev.  Thomas  Hume  for  the 
following : — 

ELDER  SMITH  SHERWOOD  was  born  in  Princess  Anne  County, 
Yirginia,  September  6,  1*789.  At  an  early  age  he  was  the  sub- 
ject of  awakening  impressions,  and  after  several  years  of  deep 
concern,  about  the  first  of  August,  1808,  he  was  enabled  to  re- 
joice in  "that  hope  which  Jesus'  grace  can  give."  In  the  month 
following,  he  was  baptized  by  Elder  William  P.  Biddle,  now  of 
the  State  of  North  Carolina,  and  became  a  member  of  the  Lon- 
don Bridge  Church,  in  the  above  county.  He  soon  indicated  a 
power  of  intellect,  a  desire  for  usefulness,  a  determination  to 
increase  his  stock  of  knowledge,  and  a  consistency  in  his  walk  and 
conversation,  which  led  the  church  to  encourage  him,  and  bring 
him  forward  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  His  opportunities  were 
very  limited ;  he  knew  but  little ;  he  felt  this,  and  he  realized  the 
importance  of  being  a  scribe  well  instructed,  that  he  might  "  rightly 
divide  the  word  of  truth."  Accordingly,  he  was  diligent  in  his 
efforts,  availing  himself  of  every  opportunity,  and  gathering 
knowledge  from  every  source.  His  attainments  proved  what  a 
man  can  accomplish,  even  under  discouraging  circumstances,  and 
while  burdened  with  many  cares.  He  became  a  good,  even  a 
critical  English  scholar;  he  could  translate  Latin,  and  his  know- 
ledge of  Greek  was  such  as  to  aid  him  in  his  biblical  studies.  As 
a  preacher,  he  was  eminent.  His  style  was  ever  perspicuous,  his 
discourses  always  instructive  and  practical — not  highly,  but  suffi- 
ciently ornamented — discovering  always  a  pure  and  refined  taste, 
and  distinguished  more  by  a  rare  solidity  of  judgment  and  a  noble 
simplicity,  than  by  a  brilliancy  of  imagination.  But  his  character 
as  a  Christian  was  a  combination  of  excellence  such  as  the  world 
rarely  sees.  Humility  was  his  shining  grace — he  verily  thought 
others  better  than  himself;  and  while  his  gray  hairs  proclaimed 
him  a  veteran  of  the  cross,  he  had  the  spirit  of  a  little  child.  It 
is  needless  to  say  he  was  highly  esteemed  and  greatly  beloved. 
No  man,  perhaps,  ever  had  a  stronger  hold  upon  the  warm  affec- 


380  SMITH   SHERWOOD. 

tions  of  those  who  knew  him.  Mild  in  his  manner,  affectionate 
in  his  disposition,  every  word  and  deed  sweetly  tempered  by  the 
controlling  power  of  humble,  consistent,  enlightened  piety,  it  was 
impossible  not  to  love  and  honor  him.  "  Oh  that  all  were  such," 
who  fill  the  office  of  ministers  of  the  everlasting  gospel ! 

The  members  of  this  Association  have  been  accustomed,  as 
they  have  assembled  with  him  from  time  to  time,  to  confide,  in 
part  at  least,  all  matters  of  importance  to  his  matured  judgment. 
His  place  cannot  soon  be  filled  in  this  body. 

Elder  Sherwood  was  ordained  March  28th,  1811,  and  for  seve- 
ral years  after  the  commencement  of  his  ministry,  at  successive 
periods,  was  the  pastor  of  the  churches  at  Portsmouth,  Shoulders 
Hill,  London  Bridge,  and  Smithfield.  At  the  time  of  his  death, 
he  was  pastor  of  the  churches  at  Cypress  Swamp,  in  Surry,  Mill 
Swamp,  in  Isle  of  Wight,  and  Shoulders  Hill,  in  N"ansemond. 
He  was  accustomed  to  travel  about  a  good  deal,  and  thus  supplied 
many  otherwise  destitute  places.  In  his  later  years,  he  had  en- 
larged his  field  of  labor,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death  had 
just  previously  determined  upon  increased  exertions  in  the  cause 
of  his  Master.  Unlike  others,  as  he  began  to  become  old  he 
strengthened,  and  abounded  in  the  work  of  the  gospel.  The 
powers  of  his  mind  also  seemed  to  be  renewed,  while  his  soul  was 
evidently  under  quickening  impulses. 

Corresponding  with  the  above  statement  of  brother  Hume,  in 
a  communication  received  from  Rev.  Reuben  Jones,  the  following 
interesting  fact  is  stated  : — 

"  I  have  heard  from  several  intelligent  brethren,  who  were  well 
acquainted  with  Brother  Sherwood,  and  who  sat  often  under  his 
ministry,  that  his  discourses  were  generally  sensible  and  well 
arranged,  but  rather  cold  and  formal  in  their  delivery.  In  the 
later  years  of  his  life,  a  very  striking  change  was  manifest  in  his 
style  of  preaching.  That  change  was  brought  about  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner.  He  had  not  been  in  the  habit  of  attending  the 
meetings  of  the  General  Association.  He  was  prevailed  upon  to 
attend  the  meeting  of  that  body  in  Richmond.  He  came  home 
intoxicated  with  delight,  with  more  enlarged  views  and  higher 
aims.  From  that  time  to  his  death  he  preached  with  unwonted 
fire  and  power.  He  was  said  to  be  '  altogether  a  different  preacher.' 


ROBERT  G.  COLEMAN.  381 

And  thus  he  passed  from  the  scene  of  his  earthly  labors,  as  a 
'flaming  torch.'  " 

Brother  Hume's  narrative  thus  closes :  "Doubtless  he  was  thus 
being  prepared  for  an  abundant  entrance  into  the  kingdom  of  his 
Lord.  During  the  month  of  June,  1839,  while  on  a  tour  of 
preaching  through  Norfolk  and  Princess  Anne  Counties,  he  was 
taken  sick.  Attempting  to  return  home,  he  only  succeeded  in 
reaching  Portsmouth.  Though  at  first  it  was  supposed  his  dis- 
ease would  yield  to  proper  treatment,  it  soon  increased  in  power 
and  hurried  him  off.  At  the  commencement  of  his  sickness,  he 
manifested  an  anxiety  to  recover,  for  which  he  afterwards  reproved 
himself.  He  was  among  the  first  to  realize  that  his  sickness 
would  be  unto  death,  and  after  he  was  convinced  of  this,  he 
seemed  to  but  wait  the  coming  of  his  Lord.  Without  reserve,  he 
expressed  his  confidence  in  Jesus,  and  a  comforting  hope  of  heaven. 
While  nothing  else  was  regarded  by  him,  the  singing  of  a  song 
of  Zion  would  stir  him  up,  and  seemingly  touch  an  echoing  chord 
in  his  own  heart.  After  an  illness  of  twelve  days,  he  died  on  the 
seventh  of  July,  being  the  first  Sabbath  of  the  month,  and  doubt- 
less departed  to  enter  upon  that  Sabbath  which  is  eternal,  and  to 
mingle  with  that  congregation  which  shall  never  break  up.  He 
left  behind  him  an  affectionate  wife  with  eight  children,  to  mourn 
his  removal,  while  the  churches  of  this  body,  and  almost  the  en- 
tire community  throughout  the  Association,  knowing  his  worth, 
can  deeply  sympathize  with  them." 


ROBERT    G.  COLEMAN. 

ROBERT  G.  COLEMAN  for  several  years  occupied  a  high  place 
in  the  regards  of  his  brethren  in  the  Goshen  Association.  He 
was  born  in  IT 87,  in  the  County  of  Spottsylvania,  where  he  re- 
mained until  a  short  time  before  his  death.  In  the  days  of  his 
youth  his  mind  was  interested  in  spiritual  things,  and  after  serious 
concern  and  inquiry  he  was  led  to  know  Him,  of  whom  Moses, 
in  the  law,  and  the  prophets,  did  write.  Joyfully  did  he  embrace 


!]82  ROBERT  G.  COLEMAN. 

the  gospel  hope.  He  soon  united  with  Wallers  Church,  in  his 
native  county. 

For  several  years  he  continued  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his 
duties  as  a  private  Christian.  But  manifesting  a  special  concern 
for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  fellow-men,  and  having  enjoyed  in 
early  life  the  advantages  of  education,  qualifying  him  for  the  ex- 
position and  defence  of  the  truth,  he  was  at  length  called  out  by 
his  brethren  into  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He  became  a  most 
acceptable  and  useful  preacher.  His  natural  dispositions  were 
amiable,  and  his  views  of  the  doctrines  of  God's  word  were  clear ; 
so  that  he  was  eminently  fitted  for  the  exercise  of  a  large  and  good 
influence. 

He  traveled  but  little,  confining  his  ministrations  chiefly  to  his 
own  county  and  the  counties  adjacent.  But  wherever  he  went,  a 
hearty  welcome  was  given.  Upon  the  earnest  solicitation  of  Elk 
Creek  Church,  Louisa  County,  he  consented  to  assume  the  pasto- 
rate over  them,  and  continued  to  sustain  this  relation  with  accept- 
ance for  several  years.  He  was  finally  induced  to  leave  Virginia, 
and  settled  in  Missouri.  Here  also  he  was  useful. 

One  who  knew  him  well  thus  testifies  respecting  his  character 
and  talents : — 

"  His  preaching  was  plain  and  affectionate ;  at  times  he  rose 
high,  and  the  sweet  theme  of  redeeming  love  flowed  from  his 
tongue  in  streams  of  moving  eloquence.  Brother  Coleman 
preached  salvation  by  grace ;  but  while  proclaiming  the  unsearch- 
able riches  of  Christ,  he  did  not  fail  to  show  sinners  their  obliga- 
tion to  repent  and  believe  the  gospel.  On  his  arrival  at  his  new 
home  in  the  far  West,  he  found  a  few  scattered  Baptists  without 
a  shepherd.  These  he  gathered  into  a  little  church,  to  whom  he 
preached  in  a  school-house.  Under  his  influence,  a  house  of  wor- 
ship was  erected,  to  which  he  liberally  contributed ;  and  which,  had 
he  lived  a  few  months  longer,  he  would  have  dedicated  to  the  ser- 
vice of  God  his  Saviour.  Brother  Coleman  died  of  intermittent 
fever,  from  which  no  danger  was  apprehended  until  a  few  days  pre- 
vious to  his  departure.  He  died  in  full  possession  of  his  mental 
powers,  in  peace,  and  in  hope  of  a  glorious  immortality.  His  be- 
loved wife  had  died  a  short  time  before  him,  in  hope  of  heavenly  rest. 
They  have  left  four  sons,  and  a  very  numerous  circle  of  relatives  and 


DAVID  M.  WOODSON.  333 

friends,  to  mourn  their  loss  ;  yet  they  sorrow  not  AS  those  who  have 
no  hope,  looking  to  the  glorious  gospel  of  the  blessed  God ;  all 
their  pious  friends  expect  to  meet  them  in  the  house  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens  Adieu,  dear,  dear  departed 
father,  brother,  friend,  till  we  meet  in  the  great  rising  day." 


DAYID    M.  WOODSON 

MOST  of  the  sketch  below  is  found  in  the  Portsmouth  Minutes, 
and  was  written  by  Rev.  Thomas  Hume. 

ELDER  D.  M.  WOODSON  was  born  in  Cumberland  County,  in 
It 96,  and  at  an  early  age  was  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
truth,  and  united  with  the  Lord's  people.  The  church  soon  per- 
ceived that  he  possessed  talents  of  no  ordinary  character,  and  for- 
warded him  in  prosecuting  a  course  of  study  preparatory  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  To  this  end,  he  went  to  Philadelphia,  and 
joined  the  Theological  Institution  then  in  operation  there,  under 
the  care  of  that  distinguished  servant  of  God,  the  late  William 
Staughton,  D.D.  We  are  not  able  to  state  how  long  he  con- 
tinued there.  But  about  1820,  he  entered  upon  the  active  duties 
of  the  ministry,  laboring  as  a  missionary  in  the  State  of  North 
Carolina,  where  he  was  eminently  successful.  Soon  after,  the 
Church  in  Portsmouth  called  him  to  the  pastoral  charge,  where 
he  settled  in  1821,  and  labored  till  1832. 

This  church  was  in  a  low  and  feeble  condition  when  Elder 
Woodson  took  charge  of  it.  The  Lord  here  smiled  upon  his 
labors,  and  he  was  privileged  to  see  many  brought  into  the  king- 
dom, and  enabled  to  rejoice  in  the  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God. 
He  was  much  esteemed  in  the  community,  and  by  his  brethren 
generally,  as  an  able  and  useful  minister  of  the  gospel.  After 
giving  up  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church  in  Portsmouth,  he  con- 
tinued to  reside  there,  laboring  in  the  surrounding  country — at 
first  as  a  missionary  of  the  Genenil  Association,  and  afterwards 
acting  as  pastor  to  the  Church  in  Suffolk  and  some  other  places. 
He  was  a  man  of  easy,  dignified  manners,  exhibiting  always  an 


384  DAVID  M.  WOODSON. 

affectionate  spirit,  .and,  above  all,  great  engagedness  in  the  cause 
of  his  Master.  For  several  years  previous  to  his  death,  he  had 
suffered  with  a  cancerous  affection  on  his  forehead,  which  required 
him  nearly  to  relinquish  the  work  of  preaching.  The  progress 
of  this  affection,  and  the  operations  he  underwent  on  account  of 
it,  undermined  his  once  vigorous  and  powerful  constitution.  For 
several  weeks  previous  to  his  death,  he  suffered  excruciating  pain, 
yet  he  murmured  not,  but  was  patient  to  the  most  exemplary  de- 
gree. No  man  seemed  to  have  a  stronger  assurance  than  he  had. 
With  calmness,  and  yet  rejoicing  confidence,  he  met  death.  To 
him  it  had  no  terrors,  and  even  here,  as  he  lingered,  tortured  with 
pain,  he  could  sing  and  shout,  "  Thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth 
us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  He  had  been 
married  twice,  and  left  a  widow  and  four  children,  with  a  large 
circle  of  friends  to  deplore  their  loss. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  from  Elder  Hume,  we  learn  from 
Rev.  Reuben  Jones,  that  Elder  Woodson  "  was  at  three  different 
periods  pastor  of  the  Shoulders  Hill  Church.  His  first  pastor- 
ship commenced  in  1823,  when  there  were  only  two  white  male 
members  in  the  church.  During  this  year  large  accessions  were 
made  by  baptism,  and  among  them  many  who  proved  '  the  bone 
and  sinew'  of  the  church,  until  death  ended  their  labors.  He 
labored  for  the  church  six  years,  and  baptized  more  than  one  hun- 
dred persons. 

"After  an  absence  of  one  year,  he  again  resumed  the  pastorate 
of  the  Shoulders  Hill  Church  for  one  year,  (1830.)  Brother  Wood- 
son's  third  pastorship  of  this  church  was  during  the  year  1835, 
in  connection  with  James  L.  Gwallmy,  then  of  Suffolk." 

Another  Christian  brother,  who  was  intimately  acquainted  with 
him,  makes  the  following  statements : — 

"Elder  Woodson  was  fully  sensible  of  his  approaching  dissolu- 
tion. For  several  weeks  before  his  death  he  suffered  most  excru- 
ciating pain  from  the  disease  of  his  head,  but  he  bore  his  suffer- 
ing with  the  most  exemplary  patience.  He  expressed  a  cheerful 
resignation  to  the  Divine  will,  and  was  never  heard  to  utter  a 
murmuring  word.  One  who  is  not  a  professor  of  religion,  but 
who  witnessed  the  closing  scene  in  the  life  of  this  man  of  God, 
thus  writes  to  a  correspondent  in  Portsmouth  :  '  Indeed,  I  have 


JOHN   G.  CARTER.  385 

never  seen  an  individual  meet  death  more  calmly ;  with  him,  "  all 
was  well." ' 

"  Elder  Woodson,  during  a  considerable  portion  of  the  time 
that  he  resided  in  Portsmouth,  combined  with  his  ministerial 
duties  the  office  of  an  instructor  of  youth.  In  whatever  calling 
he  engaged,  he  succeeded  in  giving  general  satisfaction.  His 
preaching  was  rather  of  a  declamatory  character,  and  though 
popular  with  the  multitude,  could  not  be  said,  perhaps,  to  be 
above  mediocrity.  'His  peculiar  excellence  was  in  prayer — that 
was  his  forte,'  observed  a  gentleman  to  me  to-day,  while  his  eyea 
filled  with  tears  at  the  recollection  of  the  fervid  eloquence  with 
which  he  was  wont  to  plead  for  perishing  sinners  at  a  throne  of 
grace.  In  his  manners,  he  was  easy  and  affable  ;  in  his  disposi- 
tion, cheerful  and  benignant ;  in  his  friendships,  faithful  and  affec- 
tionate; in  his  family  circle,  he  was  always  fond  and  indulgent." 


JOHN  G.  CARTER. 

THIS  most  excellent  man,  known  and  loved  by  the  author  for 
many  years,  has  left  behind  him  an  endearing  monument  of  fidelity 
to  the  cause  and  glory  of  his  Divine  Master.  He  was  always 
lovely  in  disposition,  but  the  grace  of  God  gave  to  him  an  addi- 
tional charm  of  character.  In  his  native  County  of  Henrico,  and 
in  the  adjacent  Counties  of  New  Kent,  Charles  City,  and  James 
City,  as  well  as  the  City  of  Richmond,  he  won  the  regards  of  the 
pious,  not  only  as  a  genial,  pleasant  companion,  but  as  an  emi- 
nently godly  man.  He  had  received  a  good  education,  and  by  a 
somewhat  long  practice  of  medicine  had  acquired  skill  and  repu- 
tation in  his  profession.  It  pleased  God,  however,  to  call  him 
into  the  ministry,  and  in  this  new  sphere  he  labored  well  and  use- 
fully. In  making  up  a  sketch  of  his  life  and  character,  we  cannot 
do  better  than  quote  from  the  funeral  discourse,  delivered  by  Rev 
W.  S.  Briggs  :— 

"  Early  in  life  he  made  a  profession  of  religion.     He  did  not 
give  himself,  however,  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  for  some  year* 

VOL.  ii. — z  33 


386  JOHN  G.  CARTER. 

after  his  conversion  to  God.  He  felt  that  it  was  his  duty  to 
preach,  yet  he  was  disposed,  if  possible,  to  escape  from  it.  And 
what  is  better  calculated  to  fill  a  poor  worm  of  the  dust  with 
trembling,  even  though  he  feel  as  the  great  Apostle  felt,  when  he 
exclaimed,  '  Woe  unto  me,  if  I  preach  not  the  gospel,1  than  the 
contemplation  of  this  work?  That  man  understands  it  not  who 
is  disposed  to  rush  into  it.  One  may  survey  the  vast  fields,  'white 
unto  the  harvest,'  till  his  soul  is  kindled  within  him,  and  yet,  if 
he  have  any  just  appreciation  of  the  responsibility  of  the  minis- 
terial office,  he  will  shudder  at  the  thought  that  it  is  his  duty  to 
preach  the  GOSPEL.  Such  was  the  case  with  our  deceased  bro- 
ther. Not  until  God  afflicted  him,  as  he  told  me  himself,  by 
taking  away  some  of  his  children,  did  he  determine  no  longer  to 
hesitate,  but  to  go  forward  in  the  discharge  of  those  duties  to 
which  he  had  long  felt  God  had  called  him. 

"  From  that  time,  the  doctor  seemed  inspired  with  new  spiritual 
life.  His  increase  in  spirituality  was  apparent  to  all.  In  a  few 
years  thereafter,  he  gave  up  the  practice  of  medicine,  though  an 
extensive  and  lucrative  one,  in  order  that  he  might  devote  him- 
self more  entirely  to  the  preaching  of  the  Word.  During  his 
ministry,  he  had  the  care  of  various  churches,  all  of  which,  so  far 
as  I  know,  prospered  under  his  oversight.  His  last  charge  was 
Emmaus  and  Walnut  Grove  Churches.  By  both  of  these  bodies 
he  was  highly  appreciated  and  loved.  They  will  embalm  his 
memory  in  their  hearts. 

"As  a  preacher,  DOCTOR  CARTER  was  earnest  and  pathetic. 
He  generally  made  people  feel,  when  he  preached.  He  loved  to 
preach  to  sinners.  His  soul  seemed  fired  with  holy  zeal,  when 
holding  up  the  cross  to  the  impenitent.  He  knew  what  Chris- 
tianity was,  and  could  explain  it  to  others.  No  matter  what  the 
subject  selected,  his  sermons  were  eminently  practical.  Possess- 
ing a  sprightly  mind,  his  preparations  for  the  pulpit  were  made 
with  considerably  less  labor  than  is  generally  bestowed  upon  them 
by  most  preachers.  He  never  wrote  out  his  sermons,  but  preached 
generally  from  very  brief  notes.  Yet  he  never  seemed  at  a  loss 
for  words  or  ideas. 

"  He  was  very  decided  in  his  doctrinal  views ;  still  he  was  cour- 
teous to  those  with  whom  he  differed.  He  was  strongly  Calvin- 


JOHN  G.  CARTER.  387 

istic.  The  day  before  his  death,  he  said  to  your  speaker,  when 
asked  with  regard  to  his  future  prospects,  'I  am  comfortable. 
My  trust  is  firmly  fixed  in  Christ.  I  am  a  miserable  sinner,  but 
He  is  the  sinners'  Saviour.  I  have  gone  to  him.  Can  I  do  any 
more  ?  Is  he  not  sufficient  ?' 

"During  his  protracted  and  painful  illness,  he  exhibited  the 
spirit  of  a  Christian.  He  never  seemed  to  think  that  he  suffered 
too  much.  'The  will  of  God  be  done,'  he  would  say.  He  was  a 
man  of  much  prayer.  He  cultivated  the  spirit  of  prayer.  In 
public  prayer  he  excelled  any  one  I  ever  knew.  When  he  led  at 
the  throne  of  grace,  the  brethren  arose  from  their  knees  with 
full  hearts  and  wet  eyes.  He  possessed  a  fine  judgment — his 
counsels  were,  therefore,  invaluable  to  his  church. 

"But  why  need  I  specify?  You  knew  him,  and  you  know  that 
in  all  the  relations  of  life  he  was  faithful.  In  the  family,  you  knew 
him  as  an  exemplary  husband,  a  tender  father,  and  a  kind  master. 
Family  religion  was  by  him  scrupulously  observed.  The  altar  of 
prayer  was  erected  in  his  house.  Morning  and  evening,  while  his 
health  permitted,  his  family  were  gathered,  the  word  of  God  was 
read,  and  the  Throne  of  Mercy  addressed.  Nor  was  this  a  mere 
formal  service.  '  His  family  can  bear  witness  that  life,  earnest- 
ness, and  a  spirit  of  humility  characterized  the  family  devotions. 
It  was  not  the  formalist,  unfeelingly  repeating  the  lesson  that  had 
been  conned,  but  the  confiding  child,  begging  in  simplicity  of 
heart  for  the  blessings  which  he  knew  he  needed,  and  which  his 
Heavenly  Father  alone  could  bestow.' 

"  Such  was  our  brother  in  the  family — amiable,  gentle,  faithful. 

"  In  his  intercourse  with  the  world,  too,  the  Christian  character 
was  exhibited.  He  made,  it  is  true,  no  parade  of  his  religion  ;  he 
was  not  pharisaical.  His  religion  was  not  a  Sunday  garment,  to 
be  thrown  aside  during  the  week.  No  ;  he  wore  it  as  an  every- 
day dress,  in  which  he  was  not  ashamed  at  all  times  to  be  seen. 

"But  he  is  gone!  How  great  our  loss!  But,  ah,  how  much 
greater  his  gain  !  We  may  weep  for  ourselves,  but  should  rejoice 
for  him. 

"  Here,  where  he  was  born,  surrounded  by  a  loving  family  and 
warm  friends,  with  a  bright,  full  hope,  in  the  forty-ninth  year  of 
his  age,  he  breathed  his  last.  And  yonder,  within  that  inclosure, 


388  ABNER  W.  CLOPTON. 

where  repose  the  bones  of  father,  brother,  sister,  and  children,  his 
body  shall  rest  till  the  morning  of  the  resurrection.  Then  it  shall 
be  raised  a  glorious  body,  like  unto  the  body  of  his  ascended 
Lord  and  Redeemer.  Till  then,  we  shall  see  him  no  more.  But 
we  shall  remember  him.  God  grant  that  we  may  not  lose  sight 
of  bis  example,  his  counsel,  his  warnings,  and  give  unto  us,  with 
him,  a  part  in  the  first  resurrection.  And,  oh  that  the  widows 
and  the  orphans'  God  may  soothe,  with  His  grace,  the  hearts  so 
crushed  by  this  dispensation  of  Providence." 


ABNER  W.  CLOPTON. 

IN  calling  attention  to  the  life  of  ABNER  W.  CLOPTON,  nothing 
more  will  be  attempted  than  a  mere  outline,  which  will  present  to 
the  reader  some  idea  of  the  valuable  qualities  he  possessed,  and 
the  extent  of  his  usefulness  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel.  It  is  true, 
that  the  filling  up  of  this  outline  would  make  an  attractive  volume, 
as  his  life  was  full  of  varied  and  interesting  incidents.  Such  a 
work  has  already  been  prepared  by  another  hand. 

Elder  Clopton  was  born  in  Pittsylvania  County,  March  24th, 
1784.  His  parents  were  Virginians  by  birth,  of  highly  respectable 
character,  and  in  comfortable  circumstances.  What  is  infinitely 
more  important,  they  were  the  followers  of  Christ,  and  habitually 
walked  in  obedience  to  his  commandments.  From  their  dwelling 
praise  and  supplication  continually  ascended  to  the  heavenly 
throne,  while  by  precept  and  example  they  brought  up  their 
children  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord.  Their  dis- 
cipline was  rigid,  especially  in  regard  to  the  company  with  which 
their  children  associated.  Happy  is  that  child  whose  early  years 
are  under  the  direction  of  such  parents !  The  father  of  Elder 
Clopton  was  accustomed  to  converse  with  him  on  the  subject  of 
religion,  pressing  the  claims  of  God's  service,  and  urging  him  to 
seek  the  salvation  of  his  soul.  Even  after  his  son  had  reached 
the  years  of  reflection,  and  was  separated  from  him,  this  solici- 
tude was  manifested  by  writing  affectionate  and  faithful  comma- 


ABNER  W.  CLOPTON.  389 

nications.  It  will  scarcely  be  doubted  that  the  influence  thus 
exerted  over  his  mind  by  the  enlightened  piety  of  his  parents  was 
in  no  small  measure  sanctified  to  his  salvation.  Another  world 
may  reveal  the  extent  of  their  influence  far  beyond  what  may  be 
ascertained  in  the  present  state. 

In  very  early  life  he  indicated  peculiar  activity  of  mind,  indus- 
triously applying  himself  in  whatever  employment  he  engaged. 
He  was  fond  of  books,  and  being  sent  to  several  schools,  advanced 
rapidly  in  his  studies.  At  sixteen  years  of  age  he  was  placed  in 
a  store  in  the  neighborhood  of  his  father,  and  there,  in  the  capa- 
city of  a  clerk,  remained  for  three  or  four  years.  At  the  early 
age  of  nineteen  he  entered  the  marriage  relation.  Yery  soon 
after  this  connection  was  formed,  facts  were  ascertained  so  seriously 
involving  the  moral  character  of  his  companion,  that  he  considered 
it  his  duty  to  abandon  her.  Although  an  immediate  separation 
took  place,  a  divorce  was  not  obtained  until  1809.  Thus,  in  the 
morning  of  life,  his  sky  was  overcast  with  dark  and  threatening 
clouds :  the  cup  of  domestic  bliss  was  dashed  to  pieces  ere  he 
had  begun  to  taste  its  pure  and  refreshing  draughts.  The  effect 
of  this  trial  may  well  be  imagined.  It  will  not  be  a  subject  of 
surprise  that  his  sensitive  mind  yielded  to  deep  despondency — it 
is  rather  wonderful  that  he  was  not  overwhelmed.  There  is  very 
little  doubt  that  this  painful  circumstance  gave  a  gloomy  tinge  to 
his  temper  through  all  future  life. 

The  event  to  which  allusion  has  just  been  made,  was  also  the 
means  of  giving  a  new  direction  to  his  plans  and  pursuits.  He 
resolved  at  once  to  obtain  a  thorough  education  for  the  purpose 
of  gaining  a  place  in  one  of  the  learned  professions.  He  com- 
menced the  study  of  the  languages  at  Banister  Academy,  and 
afterwards  prosecuted  them  at  a  private  school  in  Guildford 
County,  North  Carolina.  His  pecuniary  resources  failing,  he  left 
school,  and  became  himself  an  instructor  of  youth  in  South  Caro- 
lina, that  he  might  obtain  the  means  of  completing  his  education. 
From  South  Carolina  he  returned,  in  1808,  and  after  remaining 
awhile  at  his  father's,  became  a  student  in  the  junior  class  at  Chapel 
Hill.  Here  he  continued  until  he  graduated,  having  received  the 
degrees  of  A.B.  and  A.M. 

As  he  had  determined  to  devote  his  life  to  the  study  of  medi- 

33* 


390  ABNER   W.  C  LOFTON. 

cine,  he  became  a  pupil  of  Dr.  Rice,  of  Halifax  County,  and 
applied  himself  most  diligently  10  the  study  of  the  healing  art. 
In  the  winter  of  1811  he  repaired  to  the  City  of  Philadelphia,  for 
the  purpose  of  attending  a  course  of  medical  lectures.  Here  it 
pleased  the  Lord  to  open  his  eyes  to  see  his  character  as  a  ruined 
transgressor. 

Up  to  this  period  he  had  remained  unbelieving  and  impenitent. 
At  various  times,  while  quite  a  youth,  he  was  seriously  impressed, 
but  like  the  early  cloud  and  morning  dew,  his  impressions  vanished 
away.  Although  never  addicted  to  vicious  practices,  when  he 
grew  up  he  was  proud,  and  devoted  to  the  world.  The  serious 
disappointments  he  experienced,  seem  not  to  have  destroyed  his 
thirst  for  earthly  good,  but  rather  to  have  strengthened  his  pur- 
pose to  seek  bliss  from  a  broken  cistern  that  would  hold  no  water. 
While  in  Philadelphia  he  was  visited  by  severe  illness,  which  was 
instrumental  in  producing  conviction  for  sin,  and  faith  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ.  He  became  a  changed  man ;  old  things  passed 
away,  and  all  things  became  new.  His  chafed  spirit  had  sought 
relief  in  the  indulgence  of  ambitious  purposes,  while  the  pride  of 
his  heart  had  gathered  strength  by  the  mortification  to  which  he 
had  been  subjected,  but  now  he  found  consolation  in  God,  and 
submitted  with  the  meekness  of  a  little  child  to  his  service. 
Having  returned  to  Virginia,  he  remained  a  short  time  with  his 
parents,  and  found  an  opportunity  of  divulging  his  feelings  to 
them.  He  was  baptized  and  joined  Shockoe  Church,  August  1st, 
1812.  Having  thus  publicly  given  himself  to  Christ  and  his 
cause,  he  entered  with  great  spirit  upon  his  Master's  work.  His 
characteristic  activity  of  mind  was  employed  in  devising  liberal 
things,  and  in  continual  endeavors  to  benefit  his  fellow-men. 
Shortly  after  his  baptism  he  became  connected  with  the  Chapel 
Hill  University,  as  a  tutor  in  the  preparative  department,  and  at 
the  same  time  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine.  In  the  latter 
employment  he  received  the  most  flattering  patronage,  and  might 
have  obtained  a  handsome  competency ;  but  the  instruction  of 
youth  being  more  congenial  to  his  feelings,  after  a  few  months 
he  declined  the  medical  profession,  and  continued  at  the  univer- 
sity until  the  close  of  1819.  Thus  a  favorable  opportunity  was 
allowed  to  gratify  his  taste  for  literary  pursuits,  and  to  prepare 


ABNER  W.  CLOPTON.  391 

himself  more  eminently  for  the  work  of  the  gospel  ministry.  His 
circumstances,  too,  were  comfortable,  as  he  realized  from  one 
thousand  to  fifteen  hundred  dollars  per  annum  for  his  services. 

Upon  his  removal  to  Chapel  Hill  he  joined  a  church  in  that 
vicinity,  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Elder  John  Roberts.  Both  in 
the  church  and  in  the  college  his  influence  was  beneficially  felt. 
His  conscientiousness,  humility,  and  active  zeal  not  only  created 
strong  confidence  in  the  sincerity  of  his  profession,  but  produced 
a  decided  change  in  the  religious  atmosphere  of  that  vicinity.  In 
his  own  dwelling  he  kept  up  a  regular  prayer-meeting,  which  was 
much  blessed  of  the  Lord.  During  this  time  he  was  the  subject 
of  painfully  perplexing  thoughts  on  his  duty  to  preach  the  gospel 
of  reconciliation  to  a  guilty  world.  Looking  around  on  the 
miserable  condition  of  his  fellow-men,  and  at  the  compassion  of 
the  Divine  Saviour  in  rescuing  him  from  the  burning  lake,  he  was 
urged  to  employ  his  life  in  this  great  work. 

On  the  other  hand,  he  cherished  a  humiliating  sense  of  his  un- 
fitness,  especially  in  spiritual  qualifications,  as  well  as  an  abiding 
impression  of  the  superlative  importance  of  his  office,  and  the 
awful  responsibilities  which  it  involved.  Very  rigid  views  also 
were  entertained  by  him  respecting  the  inward  movings  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He  did  not  wish  to  run 
before  he  was  sent.  Though  his  own  embarrassment  on  this  sub- 
ject might  not  have  been  well  founded,  it  is  far  better  to  err  on 
this  extreme,  and  to  be  for  awhile  kept  back,  than  to  rush  head- 
long into  a  sphere  of  labor  for  which  there  are  no  qualifications, 
intellectual  or  spiritual.  Many  who  possess  the  gift  of  exhorta- 
tion, and  who,  in  its  exercise,  might  be  eminently  useful,  indulge 
unjustifiable  impatience  to  become  preachers.  Thus  their  useful- 
ness is  forever  destroyed.  With  regard  to  Elder  Clopton,  such 
was  his  hesitation  to  discharge  his  duty  in  preaching  the  gospel, 
that  it  became  necessary  he  should  be  laid  beneath  the  chastening 
hand  of  God.  Disease  visited  his  house,  and  he  felt  that  he  had 
neglected  to  obey  his  Master's  will.  This  was  in  the  latter  part 
of  1815.  His  affliction  was  eminently  sanctified  to  the  increase 
of  personal  piety.  He  became  renewedly  consecrated  to  the  Lord. 
In  1816  he  frequently  addressed  his  fellow-men  by  exhortation, 
and  in  expoundiag  the  word  of  God.  He  was  instrumental  in  the 


392  ABNER  W.  CLOPTON. 

erection  of  a  house  of  worship  called  Mount  C  arm  el,  about  two 
miles  from  Chapel  Hill,  which  was  set  apart  to  the  worship  of 
God  in  June,  1816.  At  this  place  large  and  attentive  congrega- 
tions were  accustomed  to  assemble,  and  to  hear  from  him  the  words 
of  everlasting  life.  Toward  the  latter  part  of  1816  an  increasing 
solicitude  for  the  salvation  of  sinners  was  manifested,  and  in  1817, 
by  another  violent  attack  of  sickness,  he  became,  in  a  measure, 
convinced  that  it  was  his  duty  to  relinquish  worldly  pursuits  and 
to  give  himself  to  the  ministry. 

In  1820  he  removed  to  Milton,  North  Carolina,  and  took  charge 
of  a  female  academy,  which  situation  he  retained  for  three  years. 
While  in  this  town  he  employed  as  much  time  as  possible  in  the 
labor  of  the  ministry.  It  was  during  his  residence  at  Milton, 
that  he  resolved  to  abandon  all  secular  pursuits,  and  give  his  un- 
divided attention  to  the  promotion  of  the  Lord's  kingdom.  This 
resolve  was  based  on  a  solemn  conviction  of  duty.  For  five  or  six 
years  he  had  suffered  much  anguish  of  mind  in  considering  the 
question,  whether  he  ought  to  employ  his  talents  in  this  way,  and 
now,  being  convinced  that  it  was  the  Lord's  will  he  should  preach 
the  gospel,  he  determined  to  give  himself  wholly  to  the  work.  In 
arriving  at  this  determination  he  foresaw  that  many  pecuniary 
sacrifices  must  be  borne,  as  he  could  not  expect  to  receive  from 
the  churches  more  than  half  the  amount  realized  in  the  station  he 
then  filled.  But  he  conferred  not  with  flesh  and  blood.  For  the 
excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  his  Lord,  and  to 
declare  that  excellency,  he  was  willing  to  count  all  things  but 
loss. 

About  this  period  he  received  an  invitation  from  two  or  three 
churches  in  Charlotte  County,  Virginia,  to  become  their  pastor. 
This  invitation  was  accepted.  His  settlement  in  Charlotte  took 
place  in  the  month  of  January,  1823.  A  new  field  was  now 
opened  before  him,  and  with  becoming  industry  he  engaged  in  its 
cultivation.  Impediments  of  a  peculiar  character  obstructed  his 
progress  and  prevented  his  usefulness  during  the  first  years  of 
his  residence  among  this  people.  Discipline  had  been  almost 
wholly  neglected  by  the  churches.  Several  unworthy  members 
had  been  allowed  to  retain  their  places  in  full  fellowship,  and  a 
general  looseness  in  conducting  their  operations  prevailed.  Elder 


ABNER   W.  CLOPTON.  393 

Clopton  could  not  satisfy  his  heart  while  such  a  state  of  things 
existed,  but  he  found  no  little  difficulty  in  attempting  a  reforma- 
tion. Many  opposed  his  rigid  views  of  church  discipline,  and 
branded  him  as  an  innovator  and  a  disturber  of  the  peace.  He 
persevered,  however,  until  he  obtained  the  expulsion  of  those 
who  persisted  in  a  course  of  evil  doing.  By  one  of  his  churches 
queries  were  sent  to  the  Association,  indicating  strong  dissatisfac- 
tion. It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  the  church  was  not  sustained 
by  the  Association.  The  author  of  this  memoir  was  present  at 
the  Association  when  these  queries  were  discussed,  and  he  well 
recollects  the  firmness  with  which  Elder  Clopton  opposed  the 
latitudinous  spirit  that  brought  them  into  existence.  Although 
much  unkind  feeling  was  manifested  toward  him,  he  bore  all  with 
Christian  meekness,  while  he  yielded  not  in  the  least  the  important 
principle  that  the  Lord's  house  should  be  cleansed  of  all  its  im- 
purities. He  acted  like  a  man  who  was  thoroughly  convinced  of 
the  rectitude  of  his  course,  and  who  was  at  all  hazards  resolved  to 
pursue  it. 

The  sentiments  of  Elder  Clopton  on  the  importance  of  main- 
taining order  in  the  churches  will  be  ascertained  by  referring  to 
his  own  language,  written  about  the  time  to  which  reference  is 
now  made:  "While  Achan's  crime  remained  concealed,  and  him- 
self continued  in  the  camp  of  Israel,  the  Israelites  fled  before  their 
enemies;  the  frowns  of  Jehovah  filled  them  with  dismay,  and 
numbers  perished  under  his  sore  displeasure.  But  as  soon  as  he 
was  detected,  and  punished  according  to  his  crime,  the  wrath  of 
God  ceased  to  smoke  against  his  people,  and  victory  crowned 
their  arms.  And  thus  it  is,  in  no  small  degree,  in  the  church  of 
Christ.  While  disorderly,  ungodly  professors  are  suffered  to 
remain  quietly  in  the  church,  saying :  '  I  shall  have  peace,  though 
I  walk  in  the  imagination  of  my  heart,  to  add  drunkenness  to 
thirst,'  the  minister's  hands  hang  down,  and  his  knees  are  feeble ; 
the  'word  of  God  no  longer  proves  quick  and  powerful,  sharper 
than  any  two-edged  sword,'  but  falls  'like  sounding  brass  or  a 
tinkling  cymbal,'  and  becomes  a  '  savor  of  death  unto  death'  to 
sinners." 

No  one  acquainted  with  the  word  of  God  can  for  a  moment 
doubt  that  Elder  Clopton's  views  on  this  subject  are  consistent 


394  ABNER  W.  CLOPTON. 

with  the  mind  of  the  Spirit,  and  that  if  carried  out  in  the  practice 
of  the  church,  they  will  be  conducive  to  its  peace  and  prosperity. 
Their  happy  influence  was  tested  in  the  history  of  the  Charlotte 
churches.  Before  Mr.  Clopton's  removal  among  them  the  leaven 
of  carnality  had  well-nigh  leavened  the  whole  lump.  But  having 
succeeded  in  purging  out  the  old  leaven,  he  was  prepared  to 
exercise  such  a  direct  influence  on  the  hearts  of  his  brethren  as 
resulted  in  an  immediate  elevation  of  pious  feeling,  and  an  in- 
crease of  active  devotion  to  the  glory  of  God.  The  blessing  of 
the  Lord,  like  showers  upon  the  mown  grass,  began  to  be  real- 
ized, and  all  around  assumed  a  verdant  and  lovely  aspect.  The 
churches  became  fruitful  in  every  good  word  and  work.  Sinners 
were  converted,  and  many  were  added  to  the  Lord.  This  happy 
state  of  things  was  not  of  short  duration.  It  continued  from  year 
to  year  until  the  death  of  their  pastor. 

Shortly  after  the  settlement  of  Brother  Clopton  in  Charlotte 
County  he  became  very  deeply  interested  in  the  promotion  of  the 
tract  cause.  Not  only  within  the  limits  of  his  own  pastoral 
charge,  but  in  various  parts  of  the  State,  he  succeeded  in  awaken- 
ing an  active  zeal  in  this  object.  More  than  one  hundred 
societies,  auxiliary  to  the  Baptist  General  Tract  Society,  were 
formed  by  him  in  his  journeyings  through  Virginia.  He  then 
never  preached  at  any  place  without  saying  something  on  the  sub- 
ject. About  this  time,  too,  he  was  the  instrument  of  bringing 
into  circulation  many  excellent  books  among  the  churches,  par- 
ticularly Scott's  Commentary. 

Perhaps  the  most  important  work,  next  to  his  public  ministry, 
in  which  he  was  engaged,  was  the  temperance  reformation.  There 
is  no  doubt  but  the  earliest  organized  effort  to  promote  this  object 
in  Virginia  is  to  be  attributed  to  him.  From  his  first  removal  to 
Charlotte,  in  the  pulpit  and  social  circle,  he  had  taken  special 
pains  to  oppose  the  crime  of  drunkenness,  but  had  not  seen  the 
expediency  of  abstaining  himself  from  the  use  of  ardent  spirits.  It 
is  said  that  the  following  circumstance  was  the  means  of  deter- 
mining him  to  abandon  it  entirely :  Sitting  one  day  at  dinner,  it 
was  mentioned  by  some  one,  that  a  female  of  respectable  family 
had  been  carried  home  in  a  state  of  intoxication.  He  was  ob- 
served to  drop  his  knife  and  fork,  and  to  be  wrapt  in  deep  thought. 


ABNER   W.  CLOPTON.  395 

At  that  moment  he  was  making  the  solemn  pledge  to  God  and  his 
own  heart,  that  he  would  drink  no  more  ardent  spirits,  A  short 
time  subsequently,  he  formed  the  plan  of  the  Virginia  Temperance 
Society.  Several  ministering  brethren  were  invited  to  attend  a 
meeting  at  Ash  Camp,  Charlotte  County,  to  consider  the  expe- 
diency of  forming  a  society  for  the  promotion  of  temperance. 
Extensive  notice  was  given  of  the  meeting  in  various  neighbor- 
hoods, and,  impelled  by  curiosity,  a  large  congregation  assembled. 
Considerable  time  was  occupied  in  narrating  facts  connected  with 
the  wide-spreading  influence  of  temperance,  and  in  making  ap- 
peals to  the  assembly.  Notwithstanding  all  that  was  said  and 
done  on  that  occasion,  but  ten  persons  possessed  the  necessary 
courage  to  record  their  names  as  pledged  to  abstain  from  the  use 
of  ardent  spirits  I  This  little  band,  with  Clopton  at  their  head, 
resolved  to  wage  a  perpetual  war  against  the  monster  by  whose 
subtle  power  so  many  thousands  have  been  brought  to  a  prema- 
ture grave.  They  formed  themselves  into  an  association  to  be 
known  by  the  name  of  the  "  Virginia  Society  for  the  Promotion 
of  Temperance."  Several  spirited  resolutions  were  adopted,  and 
they  separated,  each  to  spread  the  influence  of  the  sentiments 
they  indulged.  Nor  were  they  unsuccessful  in  their  attempts. 
Until  this  period,  the  subject  had  excited  little  or  no  interest  in 
the  community.  Although  the  American  Temperance  Society 
had  a  few  months  before  been  brought  into  being,  yet  it  had  pro- 
duced but  a  partial  excitement,  and  it  is  doubtful  whether  the 
framers  of  the  Virginia  Temperance  Society  were  even  apprised 
of  its  existence. 

Immediately  after  the  meeting  to  which  allusion  has  been  made, 
the  interest  that  had  been  then  created  became  more  powerful  and 
extended,  until  it  was  felt  in  every  quarter  of  the  State.  Mr. 
Clopton  traveled  through  various  neighborhoods,  delivering  lec- 
tures and  calling  upon  the  people  to  awake  to  action.  In  these 
efforts  he  encountered  much  opposition.  But  in  his  benevolent 
work  he  was  not  to  be  retarded  by  any  obstacles  a  human  arm 
might  interpose.  The  Baptist  churches  and  ministers  of  Virginia 
first  became  actively  engaged  in  the  temperance  reform,  and  ulti- 
mately all  denominations  and  all  classes  of  men  were  enlisted. 
Thus  he  enjoyed  the  peculiar  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  fruit  of  his 


396  ABNERW.  CLOPTON. 

toil ;  and  many,  doubtless,  who  will  hereafter  be  born,  will  have 
reason  to  revere  his  memory  as  the  apostle  of  temperance  in 
Virginia. 

In  1831  he  was  induced  to  accept  a  temporary  agency,  on  be- 
half of  the  Columbian  College,  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  Two 
or  three  journeys  to  the  South  were  undertaken,  and  valuable 
subscriptions  obtained.  This  institution  had  become  greatly 
involved  in  debt,  and,  according  to  the  apprehension  of  many  of 
its  warmest  friends,  nothing  but  a  vigorous  effort  could  possibly 
save  it  from  ruin.  In  1833  Mr.  Clopton  was  appointed  general 
agent,  and  devised  a  plan  for  its  relief,  which  would  no  doubt 
have  succeeded  had  his  life  been  spared.  Besides  performing  the 
duties  of  agent  gratuitously,  he  subscribed  the  sum  of  $3000  from 
his  own  personal  estate. 

Among  other  good  objects  to  which  the  attention  of  Elder 
Clopton  was  directed,  was  the  erection  of  large  and  comfortable 
houses  of  worship  in  the  various  neighborhoods  through  which  he 
passed.  In  this  he  succeeded  among  the  churches  of  his  own  par- 
ticular charge.  He  always  manifested  a  peculiar  anxiety  to  afford 
the  colored  part  of  his  congregation  ample  room  and  comfortable 
seats  at  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

In  referring  to  his  labors  as  a  gospel  minister,  it  may  justly  be 
stated,  that  from  the  period  of  his  removal  to  Charlotte,  he  was, 
to  the  full  extent  of  his  time  and  talents,  devoted  to  the  Lord. 
Wherever  he  might  be  found,  or  in  whatever  society,  he  was 
ready  to  speak  a  word  in  season  to  those  by  whom  he  was  sur- 
rounded. He  suffered  very  few  opportunities  to  escape  when 
he  did  not  warn  or  entreat  unconverted  men  to  escape  the  wrath 
to  come.  In  the  pulpit  he  always  showed  himself  to  "be  serious 
in  a  serious  cause."  He  was  remarkable  in  his  public  addresses 
for  simplicity  and  pathos,  as  well  as  the  practical  tendency  of 
everything  he  uttered.  Frequently,  when  dwelling  on  the  love  of 
Christ,  or  pleading  with  guilty  men  to  be  reconciled  to  God,  tears 
would  roll  down  his  cheeks,  and  his  whole  soul  would  seem  to  be 
dissolved.  His  animadversions  on  popular  sins  were  faithful, 
and  often  severe ;  while,  in  endeavoring  to  bind  up  the  broken- 
hearted, or  encourage  the  timid,  no  man  could  be  more  affec- 
tionate and  tender. 


ABNER  W.  CLOPTON.  397 

Many  seals  were  given  to  his  ministry  in  different  portions  of 
Virginia.  He  did  not  content  himself  with  laboring  among  his 
own  churches,  but  made  frequent  tours,  ceasing  not  to  warn  men, 
with  many  tears,  to  turn  from  their  sins.  In  the  Counties  of 
Mecklenburg,  Powhatan,  and  Spottsylvania,  his  ministrations  were 
particularly  successful. 

An  allusion  has  been  made  to  Mr.  Clopton's  qualifications  as  a 
preacher.  It  will  be  expected  that  something  should  be  said  rela- 
tive to  his  private  and  Christian  character.  His  natural  tempera- 
ment was  ardent,  and  sometimes  inclined  to  be  irritable,  but  it  is 
doubtful  whether  many  have  been  able  so  thoroughly  to  counter- 
act this  tendency.  There  were  periods  when  he  was  subject  to 
melancholy ;  but  generally  he  was  cheerful,  especially  when  in  the 
society  of  his  Christian  brethren.  One  of  his  most  striking  pecu- 
liarities was  a  habitually  devotional  spirit.  Prayer  was  an  exer- 
cise in  which  he  much  delighted.  He  usually  rose  before  day,  and 
devoted  a  considerable  portion  of  time  to  reading  the  Scriptures, 
meditation,  and  communion  with  God.  These  were  seasons  much 
prized,  and  were,  without  doubt,  the  sources  of  that  heavenly- 
mindedness  for  which  he  was  so  remarkable.  He  made  it  also  a 
uniform  practice  to  retire  for  secret  devotion  at  noon  and  even- 
ing. In  reading  the  Bible,  the  plan  of  going  through  the  sacred 
books  in  order  was  adopted,  and  usually  the  notes  of  Mr.  Scott 
were  consulted.  He  was  accustomed  to  say,  in  reference  to  Scott's 
practical  observations,  that  they  could  not  have  been  written  but 
by  a  man  who  was  often  on  his  knees. 

He  was  not  only  a  close  student  of  the  sacred  Scriptures,  but 
made  himself  familiar  with  most  of  the  best  theological  authors. 
He  was  fond  of  reading.  As  a  writer  he  was  sensible  and  per- 
spicuous. In  addressing  his  numerous  correspondents,  he  scarcely 
ever  failed  to  express  some  sentiment  tending  to  promote  the  Chris- 
tian character  of  those  to  whom  he  wrote.  His  personal  inter- 
course with  those  around  him  was  well  calculated  to  do  good. 
He  knew  how  to  condescend  to  men  of  low  estate,  and  was  will- 
ing to  labor  for  their  benefit.  In  business  transactions  he 
was  punctiliously  correct,  being  unwilling  to  involve  himself  in 
debt,  or  in  the  least  particular  to  injure  his  fellow-men.  The 

VOL.  ii.  34 


398  ABNER  W.  CLOPTON. 

strictest  economy  was  practiced,  that  he  might  be  enabled  to 
contribute  to  objects  of  benevolence.  This  he  did  to  considerable 
extent. 

It  will  not  be  questioned  by  the  biographer  that  this  servant 
of  the  Lord  had  his  peculiar  imperfections.  These  be  himself 
knew,  deplored,  and  resisted.  Besides  the  gloom  and  austerity 
of  manners  to  which  reference  has  been  made,  he  was  sometimes, 
to  an  unjustifiable  extreme,  tenacious  of  his  own  opinion  and 
plans  of  action.  He  was  also  singularly  disposed  in  his  benevo- 
lent efforts  to  fix  his  eye  on  one  object,  and  to  pursue  that  almost 
to  the  exclusion  of  every  other,  so  that  while  he  was  at  different 
times  active  in  promoting  the  various  institutions  of  the  day, 
there  was  sometimes  evinced  a  seeming  versatility  of  character. 
But  these  defects  were,  in  a  measure,  hidden  by  the  lustre  of  that 
Christian  excellence,  for  which  he  was  distinguished.  Unfeigned 
humility  and  meekness,  disinterested  benevolence,  and  untiring 
activity,  connected  with  habitual  and  supreme  love  to  God,  were 
the  great  leading  features  of  his  moral  character. 

We  have  now  to  draw  near  to  the  period  of  his  dismissal  from 
this  world  to  the  world  of  glory.  Before  his  last  sickness  he  had 
greatly  increased  in  conformity  to  the  image  of  his  Master.  He 
was  doubtless  undergoing  a  rapid  preparation  for  the  society  of 
the  sanctified ;  and  when  the  summons  came,  he  was  not  sur- 
prised nor  dismayed.  He  was  suddenly  arrested  by  disease; 
and,  after  lingering  in  much  pain  for  several  days,  was  received 
up  into  glory.  His  death  occurred  on  the  20th  of  March,  1833. 
The  following  letter  was  written  on  his  sick  bed,  and  in  full  pros- 
pect of  death.  It  is  addressed  to  his  venerable  parents : — 

"CHARLOTTE  C.  H.,  March  13th,  1833. 
"  MY  VERY  DEAR  FATHER  : — 

"Almost  at  every  parting  interview  for  several  years,  (which  to 
me  have  been  precious,)  I  have  left  you  with  fear  that,  through 
your  great  age,  I  never  should  see  you  again  in  this  world. 
Through  the  folly  and  self-confidence  of  my  mind  I  had  forgotten 
that  death  is  no  respecter  of  persons;  that  he  fills  his  dominions 
with  millions  of  infants,  as  well  as  those  of  middle  and  old  age. 


ABNER  W.  CLOPTON.  399 

In  sending  on  an  appointment  to  visit  you,  I  felt  what  I  have 
usually  felt  before — the  great  pleasure  of  meeting  my  parents 
and  brothers  once  more.  But,  oh  !  how  little  did  I  anticipate 
the  change  that  has  come  !  I  preached  two  funerals  on  the  first 
and  second  days  of  March ;  though  very  much  exposed  on  Fri- 
day, I  did  not  feel  material  inconvenience  from  the  exposure,  and 
no  fearful  apprehensions  of  the  consequences.  I  preached  on 
Sunday,  came  home  on  Sunday  afternoon,  went  to  court  on  Mon- 
day, returned  home  in  the  evening  in  perfect  health — nor  did  I 
feel  the  least  symptoms  of  disease  until  Tuesday  morning,  when 
my  appetite  for  breakfast  was  gone,  and  I  became  chilly.  From 
that  time  my  fever  began  to  increase.  As  far  as  my  experience 
goes,  it  has  been  to  me  a  new  kind  of  fever.  It  has  been  attended 
with  not  only  an  unconquerable  burning  thirst,  but  with  gnawing 
and  twisting,  and  folding  of  the  tongue,  as  to  be  a  true  realiza- 
tion of  the  prophet's  phrase,  'a  dry  and  parched  thirst.'  All  this 
time,  too,  the  pulse  has  been  up  as  high  as  from  ninety-three  to 
one  hundred.  There  has  not  been  any  thing  like  sweat,  neither 
breaking  of  the  fever.  It  has  marched  steadily  on,  as  if  directed 
by  an  unerring  hand,  to  its  object.  My  mind  at  first  was  rather 
insensible,  but  when  the  gnawings,  the  fever  in  my  bosom,  and 
especially  in  my  mouth,  began  to  make  me  feel  that  there  was 
might  in  Jehovah's  hand,  my  soul  began  to  be  filled  with  reve- 
rential awe  for  principles  of  holiness.  My  heart  and  life  again 
passed  in  review  before  me,  and  I  appeared  to  myself  more  vile 
than  I  suppose  it  is  possible  for  you  to  conceive.  I  felt, 
however,  and  I  still  feel,  that  if  God  should  lock  me  up  in  hell, 
I  would  attempt  to  praise  him  there  for  his  great  goodness 
toward  me. 

"  On  other  occasions  of  distress  and  affliction,  my  mind  has 
been  distracted  with  fear  and  anxiety ;  but  in  this  I  feel  neither 
murmurs  nor  repining.  I  would  not  have  died  without  this 
affliction,  or  something  resembling  it,  on  any  consideration, 
believing  it  to  be  as  necessary  in  the  scheme  of  my  salvation  as 
the  atonement  of  Christ,  I  did  not  think  until  yesterday  morn- 
ing that  things  would  come  to  so  speedy  a  termination ;  I  then 
thought  it  was  too  late  for  me  to  send  for  you;  yet  as  it  may 


400  ABNER   W.  CLOPTON. 

please  God  to  protract  my  life  three  or  four  days  longer,  it 
would  give  me  great  pleasure  to  see  brother  Robert  and  brother 
John  before  I  cross  Jordan — or  to  see  any  of  the  clear  brethren 
who  may  find  it  convenient  to  visit  me.  My  amiable  young 
brother  Collins  has  consented  to  bear  this  letter  to  you.  Oh  that 
I  could,  if  consistent  with  the  will  of  God,  lay  my  eyes  and  hands 
as  it  were  upon  you  and  my  dear  aged  mother  once  more !  But 
I  suppose  this  cannot  be.  However,  if  I  should  reach  Canaan's 
happy  shore,  I  have  no  doubt  but  my  gray-headed  parents  will 
soon  come  over  and  enjoy  the  good  of  that  land  with  me.  If 
sin  were  there,  I  should  not  want  to  go.  If  sickness,  sorrow, 
pain,  and  death  were  there,  I  should  not  want  to  go  to  Canaan  : 
but  God  himself,  who  cannot  lie,  has  placed  on  record,  that  it  is 
free  from  all  which  renders  earth  miserable.  My  aged  parents, 
according  to  my  own  view  of  the  case,  I  expect  to  see  you  no 
more  on  this  side  of  eternity.  Father  and  mother,  farewell! 
Brothers  and  sisters,  farewell !  Servants,  old  and  young,  fare- 
well !  Your  affectionate  son, 

"ABNER  W.  CLOPTON." 

In  this  communication,  penned  under  such  affecting  circum- 
stances, he  not  only  evinces  his  characteristic  veneration  for  those 
who  gave  him  birth,  but  his  ardent  and  unfeigned  love  to  God. 
None  but  a  holy  man  could  cherish  the  sentiment,  "  if  God  should 
lock  me  up  in  hell,  I  would  attempt  to  praise  him  there."  Thus 
lived  and  died  one  of  the  best  and  most  useful  ministers  of  Vir- 
ginia. But  for  the  fact  already  stated,  that  a  complete  biography 
has  been  prepared,  this  memoir  would  have  been  greatly  ex- 
tended. May  the  Lord  of  the  harvest  send  forth  many  such 
laborers  into  the  harvest. 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON.  4Q1 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON. 

THE  ministerial  career  of  J.  S.  REYNOLDSON  cannot  be  reviewed 
by  the  thoughtful  mind  without  having  called  into  exercise  ador- 
ing views  of  the  Divine  procedure,  in  the  arrangements  of  his 
providence.  Almost  everything  pertaining  to  his  history  was 
extraordinary.  The  circumstances  of  his  early  life  and  youthful 
days,  his  conversion,  baptism,  and  entrance  into  the  ministry,  all 
were  peculiar.  Nor  was  his  course  as  a  proclaimer  of  the  gos- 
pel less  interesting.  It  was  a  brief  but  brilliant  course.  And 
then,  how  strangely  startling  was  his  end !  When,  and  where, 
and  how  he  passed  away  from  the  earth,  no  mortal  knows.  He 
lies  entombed  in  the  ocean  depths,  but  where,  none  can  tell.  No 
friendly  eye,  moistened  with  the  tears  of  affection,  will  ever  look 
upon  that  spot.  The  Omniscient  eye  only  surveys  it.  The 
Divine  One  buried  him,  as  he  did  his  servant  Moses,  and  "  no 
man  knoweth  his  sepulchre  unto  this  day." 
.  While  thus  the  peculiarities  of  his  life  and  death  are  invested 
with  something  of  the  romantic,  we  may  still  find  it  pleasant  and 
profitable  to  give  to  them  a  distinct  contemplation. 

This  servant  of  Jesus  Christ  was  born  at  Bromley,  a  village 
not  far  from  London,  on  the  sixth  of  March,  1812.  His  father, 
John  Reynoldson,  for  many  years,  up  to  1825,  was  an  extensive 
brewer,  also  an  export  and  import  merchant  in  the  mahogany 
trade  with  Russia,  in  connection  with  the  firm  of  Audley,  Rey- 
noldson &  Co.  He  was  married  twice.  His  second  wife  was 
Ann  Wood,  eldest  daughter  of  John  Smith,  of  the  firm  of  John 
and  Ebenezer  Smith,  iron-founders.  They  had  been  engaged  in 
this  business,  and  were  one  of  the  largest  firms  for  fifty  years,  in 
the  north  of  England.  They  owned  several  extensive  establish- 
ments. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  John  Smith  Reynoldson,  was  the 
youngest  son,  by  this  second  marriage.  His  father  was  a  gentle- 
man of  great  force  of  character.  When  converted  he  joined  a 
sect  of  the  Baptist  order  called  at  the  time  Johnsonians,  after  a 
man  by  the  name  of  Johnson,  who,  although  a  warm  friend  and 

VOL.  ii. — 2  A  34* 


402  J.  S.  REYNOLDSON. 

great  admirer  of  Andrew  Fuller,  was  a  high-toned  Calvinist. 
There  was  a  small  church  of  this  order  worshiping  in  Lemon 
Street,  London.  The  elder  Reynoldson  removed  to  London,  and 
joining  this  church,  was  finally  chosen  their  pastor.  He  was  a 
diligent  student  of  the  Scriptures,  and  well  versed  in  the  know- 
ledge of  its  precious  truths.  He  wrote  a  beautiful  hand,  and 
many  notes  of  sermons,  and  on  important  subjects,  were  left  by 
him  at  his  death.  This  event  occurred  September  6th,  1812, 
about  six  months  after  the  birth  of  his  son  John. 

The  family  were  thus  thrown  upon  the  care  of  the  maternal 
grandmother.  John,  with  his  mother,  remained  in  her  family  at 
Field  House,  Chesterfield.  He  was  sedulously  cared  for  by  two 
maternal  aunts,  and  every  attention  given  to  the  culture  of  his 
mind  and  morals.  His  grandmother,  mother,  and  aunts  seem  to 
have  been  specially  qualified  to  exert  a  good  influence  on  his 
character,  and  no  one  can  doubt  that  the  remarkable  usefulness 
of  his  after-life  was  traceable,  instrumentally,  to  them.  One  of 
these  aunts  was  the  mother  of  Mr.  Gurney,  for  thirty  years 
treasurer  of  the  Baptist  Missionary  Society,  England. 

His  aunts  having  removed  to  Liverpool,  upon  the  marriage  of 
the  elder  to  Mr.  Yelverston,  he  was  taken  under  their  guardian- 
ship, and  for  some  time  placed  at  expensive  schools.  His 
nephew,  Rev.  T.  F.  Curtis,  now  of  Lewisburg  University,  Penn- 
sylvania, speaks  of  him  as  then  "  an  impulsive,  black-eyed  boy, 
of  great  activity  of  mind,  quickness,  and  decided  talent;  that  he 
made  many  friends,  but  then,  in  his  wild  and  willful  pranks,  would 
weary  or  worry  them  out." 

At  the  age  of  thirteen  he  was  apprenticed  to  a  chemist  and 
druggist.  He,  however,  remained  but  a  short  period.  Such  was 
the  impetuosity  of  his  spirit,  and  such  the  probability  of  contract- 
ing ruinously  vicious  habits,  that  his  friends  were  seriously  appre- 
hensive on  his  account.  He  left  his  employer  without  permission, 
and  went  to  sea.  This  seems  to  have  been  overruled  for  good. 
Restrained  by  the  discipline  of  the  ship,  his  vicious  tendencies 
were  checked,  while  his  general  cultivation  and  naturally  active 
mind  prepared  him  to  fill  his  new  position  acceptably  and  usefully. 
He  had  become  apprenticed  for  five  years,  and  so  far  ingratiated 
himself  into  the  good  feelings  of  the  captain  as  to  receive  his 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON.  403 

commendation.  He  proved  himself  so  efficient  as  to  be  made 
mate  of  the  vessel,  and  the  owners  intended  still  further  promo- 
tion, either  to  the  place  of  first  mate  or  to  the  entire  command. 
In  one  of  the  voyages  to  an  American  port  he  left  the  vessel, 
and  afterwards  engaged  in  the  coasting  trade,  under  American 
colors,  sailing  before  the  mast.  From  first  to  last,  during  his  sea 
life,  he  visited  various  portions  of  the  civilized  world,  and  secured 
a  large  acquaintance  with  men  and  things.  His  early  training, 
and  naturally  inquisitive  mind,  prepared  him  for  the  exercise  of  a 
judicious  observation  in  the  diversified  scenes  and  circumstances 
with  which  he  was  familiar. 

During  all  these  years,  though  not  without  conviction  of  a 
painful  character,  he  remained  a  stranger  to  the  power  of  the 
gospel.  His  conversion  at  length  was  the  result  of  a  singular  dis- 
pensation of  Providence.  At  the  close  of  one  of  his  voyages  he 
attended  a  religious  meeting  in  New  York,  with  a  fellow-sailor. 
Returning  from  the  meeting,  during  the  night  he  was  aroused  by 
the  groans  of  his  companion,  which  he  supposed  were  produced 
by  the  sermon  they  had  heard.  In  the  morning  he  was  filled 
with  horror  by  finding  his  comrade  a  corpse.  This  led  to  a  sur- 
vey of  his  past  life,  and  a  deep,  painful  sense  of  his  guilt  and 
peril.  He  had  beheld  the  fearful  demonstrations  of  Divine  power 
in  the  tempest,  but  never  before  had  he  felt  the  dreadful  reality 
of  exposure  to  the  wrath  of  God.  He  now  trembled  with  fear, 
and  loathing  himself  before  his  Maker,  besought  his  mercy.  Now, 
the  plan  of  salvation  with  which  he  had  been  familiar  from  a 
child,  was  brought  home  to  his  heart,  as  a  new,  blessed  reality. 
Christ  Jesus  was  made  to  him  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctifica- 
tion,  and  redemption. 

Mr.  Reynoldson  affiliated  himself  with  the  Episcopalians,  be- 
coming a  communicant  in  that  body,  in  the  City  of  New  York. 
From  that  port  he  sailed  for  Liverpool.  He  was  now  a  changed 
man.  His  old  associates  beheld  him  with  surprise.  No  conceal- 
ment of  his  new-born  hope  and  joy  was  made.  A  happy  influ- 
ence was  now  exerted  by  him, — whether  on  shore  or  at  sea  an 
influence  decidedly  religious  was  exercised.  When  he  returned 
from  Liverpool,  he  received  a  hearty  welcome  at  the  Sailors' 
Home,  where  he  had  become  known  as  a  remarkable  instance  of 


404  J    S.  REYNOLDSON. 

the  renewing  grace  of  God.  Soon  after,  he  was  placed  in 
command  of  a  vessel  in  the  coasting  trade,  and  continued  for 
some  time  in  this  line  of  employment,  until,  by  another  inter- 
position of  the  Divine  hand,  a  marked  change  was  to  be  given  to 
his  whole  course  of  life. 

During  one  of  his  voyages,  perhaps  to  or  from  Savannah,  by 
stress  of  weather  and  severe  sickness,  he  was  compelled  to  put 
into  the  port  of  Norfolk.  While  remaining  for  a  season  in  the 
Marine  Hospital,  curiosity,  or  rather  an  invisible  hand,  led  him  to 
the  place  of  worship  occupied  by  the  Baptist  church  at  Ports- 
mouth, then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Thomas  Hume.  This 
was  in  the  year  1840.  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter,  in  a  commemorative  dis- 
course, thus  refers  to  this  circumstance  and  its  results  : — 

"Until  this  time,  Mr.  Reynoldson  knew  nothing  of  the  Baptists, 
or,  rather,  he  had  received  most  unfavorable  impressions  of  them 
from  his  intercourse  in  early  life  with  a  few  Antinomian  Baptists 
of  England.  He  had  united  with  the  Episcopal  church,  not  be- 
cause he  approved  her  liturgy  or  views  of  gospel  ordinances,  but 
because  he  desired  church  communion,  and  did  not  know  where 
he  could  find  it  more  congenial  to  his  views.  He  continued  his 
careful  study  of  the  Scriptures,  seeking  to  conform  his  views  and 
practice  to  their  teaching.  No  sooner  did  he  enter  Mr.  Hume's 
church,  and  behold  the  simplicity  of  the  worship  there  offered, 
and  learn  the  views  of  church  organization  entertained  by  the 
Baptists,  than  he  was  convinced  that  they  were  the  very  people 
for  whom,  guided  by  the  light  of  the  New  Testament,  he  had  long 
been  seeking.  He  immediately  applied  for  baptism,  was  received, 
and  baptized  by  Mr.  Hume,  in  the  year  1840.  This  event 
changed  the  course  of  his  life.  He  abandoned  the  sea,  for  which 
he  retained  great  fondness ;  and,  divinely  guided,  commenced 
teaching  school  in  the  Valley  of  Virginia.  From  this  period 
his  life  has  been  well  known  to  the  Baptists  of  this  State." 

As  stated  above,  very  soon  after  his  baptism  he  sought  em- 
ployment in  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  desiring  to  engage  his  ener- 
gies in  some  sphere  more  congenial  with  his. feelings.  Being 
located  in  Front  Royal  and  its  vicinity,  he  joined  the  church  at 
Bethel,  Clarke  County,  and  soon,  in  view  of  the  surrounding  desti- 
tution, became  impressed  with  the  duty  of  addressing  his  fellow- 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON.  405 

men.  In  the  social  meeting,  and  before  the  great  congregation, 
he  lifted  up  his  voice  for  God,  and  so  commended  himself  to  his 
brethren,  that  in  1841  or  1842  he  was  licensed  to  preach.  In  a 
few  months  his  ordination  was  demanded  by  the  necessities  of  the 
field  in  which  he  labored,  and  the  growing  acceptance  of  his 
ministrations.  He  at  once  gave  himself  to  the  work.  Having 
entered  into  the  matrimonial  connection  with  Miss  E.  Padgett,  he 
found  it  needful  to  continue  his  school  for  a  season,  to  secure  a 
support.  The  Executive  Committee  of  the  Salem  Union  Asso- 
tion  determined,  as  early  as  the  fall  or  winter  of  1843,  to  press 
him  into  the  service  as  their  missionary.  In  their  report  they  say : 
"The  pressing  wants  of  the  Shenandoah  Yalley  induced  the 
Committee  to  employ  Brother  J.  S.  Reynoldson,  believing  he 
would  be  fully  sustained,  at  least  in  the  partial  services  he  could 
render  in  connection  with  a  school  which  he  was  then  teaching. 
The  interest  of  this  new  and  delightful  work  increased  to  such  an 
extent,  as  after,  to  leave  him  in  doubt  as  to  the  propriety  of  his 
remaining  in  his  school-room.  Overcome,  at  length,  by  his  own 
feelings  in  behalf  of  the  destitute  among  whom  he  labored,  he 
finally  resolved  to  abandon  his  school,  in  order  that  he  might 
devote  the  whole  of  his  time  to  those  who  seemed  to  be  imploring 
the  water  of  life,  and  trust  the  Lord  for  the  support  of  his 
family." 

.  In  this  missionary  service  he  seemed  ready  to  spend  and  be 
spent.  The  Committee  say  of  him,  in  their  annual  statement : 
"He  has  preached  with  tolerable  regularity  at  twenty-three  sta- 
tions, in  seven  counties,  viz. :  Warren,  Clarke,  Frederick,  Jeffer- 
son, Berkeley,  Shenandoah,  and  Page ;  besides  occasional  visits 
to  other  places.  He  reports  seven  months  labor;  preached  196 
sermons;  attended  sixteen  prayer-meetings;  delivered  eleven 
temperance  addresses;  baptized  forty-three;  attended  thirteen 
protracted  meetings;  made  109  religious  visits;  assisted  in  the 
constitution  of  three  new  churches,  viz. :  Macedonia,  Warren, 
and  Olivet;  traveled  2425  miles;  collected  $38  46." 

In  June,  1844,  he  was  appointed  as  the  missionary  of  the 
Board  of  the  General  Association  of  Virginia,  to  labor  in  the 
Counties  of  Clarke,  Frederick,  and  Warren.  The  Board,  in  their 
report,  say :  "A  Divine  blessing  appears  to  have  attended  his 


406  J-  S.  REYNOLDSON. 

labors.  Five  new  churches  have  been  formed  on  his  mission  field 
during  the  past  year,  and  chiefly,  if  not  wholly,  the  fruit  of  his 
labors.  He  has  traveled,  during  the  year,  5045  miles ;  preached 
322  sermons ;  delivered  thirteen  temperance  addresses ;  baptized 
thirty-two  persons;  distributed  and  sold  101  Bibles  and  Testa- 
ments, and  about  6000  pages  of  tracts ;  aided  in  constituting  two 
new  churches  and  ordaining  one  minister." 

Their  report  for  1846  contains  the  following :  "  Elder  J.  S.  Rey- 
noldson  was  reappointed  to  his  former  field  of  missionary  labor, 
in  the  Counties  of  Clarke,  Frederick,  Page,  Warren,  and  Berke- 
ley. This  is  a  wide  field  for  one  man,  and  there  are  difficulties  in 
the  way  of  advancing  the  cause  of  truth  which  require  patience, 
piety,  perseverance,  and  much  toil. 

"  Up  to  the  twenty-fourth  of  April,  Brother  Reynoldson  had 
traveled  4492  miles;  delivered  357  sermons;  and  had  baptized 
sixteen  persons. 

"In  September  he  wrote:  'I  am  in  the  midst  of  a  delightful 
revival ;  have  continued  preaching  here  for  the  last  twelve  days. 
I  can  now  number  sixteen  converts.  I  have  much  reason  now  to 
take  courage.  Our  principles  are  spreading  fast,  and,  being 
founded  on  eternal  truth,  we  believe  they  must  prevail.'  In  his 
last  report,  he  says:  'During  the  year  I  have  rode  5099  miles; 
preached  386  sermons ;  baptized  seventeen  persons ;  and  distri- 
buted more  than  100  Bibles  and  Testaments.' 

"  Brother  Reynoldson  is  superintending  the  building  of  two 
meeting-houses  within  his  missionary  field.  One  of  the  young 
converts  whom  he  has  baptized  has  commenced  preaching." 

The  Board,  in  1847,  make  equally  gratifying  statements  con- 
cerning his  fidelity.  In  June,  of  this  year,  he  left  their  service, 
to  enter  upon  an  agency  for  the  Domestic  Mission  Board  of  the 
Southern  Baptist  Convention.  Well  and  faithfully  did  he  per- 
form the  new  work  assigned  him.  In  1849  he  accepted  the  invi- 
tation of  the  Market  Street  Church,  Petersburg,  to  become  their 
pastor.  In  this  relation  he  endeared  himself  to  the  people  of  his 
charge,  and  was  useful.  But  he  was  manifestly  out  of  his  proper 
sphere.  He  was  not  satisfied  to  be  confined  within  any  certain 
limits.  His  early  ocean  life  had  made  him  impatient  of  restraint 
He  longed  to  be  out  among  the  churches  and  destitute  places, 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON.  407 

preaching  the  Word.  In  July,  1851,  he  tendered  his  resignation. 
He  thus  refers  to  the  subject:  "With this  church  I  have  held  the 
pastoral  relation  upwards  of  two  years;  that  relation  has  been 
dissolved  by  my  own  act,  induced  solely  by  a  conviction  that  I 
was  not  doing  and  could  not  do  ray  duty  by  the  church,  while 
absenting  myself  so  frequently  to  attend  protracted  meetings  at 
other  places.  Judge  ye;  between  January  and  July,  of  this  year, 
I  have  been  absent,  some  Sabbaths  excepted,  eleven  weeks  from 
my  charge.  This  cannot  be  right.  No  man  can  serve  two  mas- 
ters. I  had  determined  to  attend  but  two  more  meetings  the 
remainder  of  this  year,  but  on  visiting  Hampton  last  week  for 
three  days,  a  revival  was  developed  that  I  dared  not  leave — and 
I  then  deliberately  resolved,  in  the  fear,  and  I  think  by  the  will  of 
God,  to  send  up  a  resignation  that  should  be  irrevocable  and 
final.  This  was  done ;  and  my  present  object  is  to  exonerate  the 
church,  or  any  portion  thereof,  from  any  participation  or  even 
knowledge  of  this  step  until  it  occurred.  There  never  could  be 
a  church  to  whom  as  a  pastor  I  was  more  strongly  attached.  She 
had  patience  with  my  inexperience,  soothed  me  in  difficulty, 
gave  me  an  ample  support,  cheerfully  suffered  my  frequent  ab- 
sences, and  left  the  firm  conviction  on  my  mind  that  any  reason- 
able man  might  remain  with  her  for  life,  laboring  with  great 
prospects  of  usefulness. 

"I  have  torn  myself  asunder  from  a  church  and  community  I 
dearly  love,  to  go  forth,  I  know  not  whither — certainly  not  again 
to  settle  down  in  the  pastoral  relation." 

This  letter  reveals  his  true  character  and  qualifications  as  a 
preacher.  Whatever  was  new,  romantic,  and  spirit-stirring,  was 
suited  to  his  taste.  The  dry  details  of  business,  and  the  regular 
routine  of  pastoral  duties,  had  for  him  but  little  charm.  Like  the 
"  angel  flying  in  the  midst  of  heaven,  having  the  everlasting  gos- 
pel to  preach,"  he  passed  from  place  to  place,  dispensing  good 
wherever  he  went.  He  was,  in  the  true  sense  of  the  word,  an 
evangelist.  He  was,  too,  an  evangelist  of  the  right  type. 

It  must  be  understood  that  this  reference  to  his  peculiar  love 
of  the  novel  does  not  apply  to  his  religious  views,  or  to  his 
method  of  conducting  religious  meetings.  In  doctrinal  sentiment 
he  was  eminently  sound  and  unyielding,  and  his  discourses  were 


408  J.  S.  UEYNOLDSON. 

full  of  rich  scriptural  truth.  He  was  no  mere  ranter.  He  may 
have  exercised  to'o  little  caution  in  recommending  professed  con- 
verts to  unite  with  the  church.  This  is  liable  to  be  a  defect  in 
the  ministrations  of  one  whose  labors  are  most  evangelistic.  His 
statements  of  what  constitutes  true  conversion  were,  however, 
usually  clear  and  comprehensive ;  so  that  if  the  temptation  incau- 
tiously to  multiply  converts  existed,  he  seemed  unwilling  to  en- 
courage it 

This  leads  to  a  notice  of  his  matter  and  manner  as  a  preacher. 
We  extract  from  Brother  Jeter's  sermon : — 

"Bemember  the  words  which  I  spake  unto  you  while  I  was 
yet  present  with  you.  Were  our  departed  brother  permitted  to 
speak  from  the  '  ocean's  depth,'  would  he  not  with  more  than 
mortal  fervor  give  utterance  to  this  very  admonition  ?  And  to 
whom  could  he  more  pertinently  address  it  than  to  this  congre- 
gation, for  whom  his  last  labors  were  expended,  and  his  last  sym- 
pathies were  excited  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic  ?  He  spake  to 
you.  Often  within  these  walls  did  you  hear  the  solemn  and  im- 
passioned tones  of  his  voice.  That  voice  you  will  hear  no  more. 
No  mortal  can  recall  the  half  of  the  wholesome  words  which  he 
sounded  in  your  ears.  It  will,  however,  be  profitable  for  us  to 
meditate  for  awhile  on  some  of  the  peculiar  traits  of  his  preach- 
ing. In  matter,  it  was  eminently  evangelical.  He  preached 
Christ,  Christ  only,  and  Christ  all  the  time.  His  views  of  the 
evangelical  system  were  remarkably  clear,  and  were  presented  to 
his  hearers  with  great  simplicity  and  vividness.  He  was,  in  the 
truest  sense,  a  preacher  of  the  gospel.  No  vain  speculations,  or 
political  discussions  ever  found  a  place  in  his  ministry.  More 
than  almost  any  preacher  I  have  ever  known,  he  sought  the  imme- 
diate conversion  of  his  hearers,  by  a  faithful  exhibition  of  Divine 
truth. 

"  In  spirit,  his  preaching  was  singularly  affectionate  and  fervent. 
None  could  hear  him  without  being  impressed  with  his  sincerity 
and  disinterestedness.  His  preaching  was  an  effusion  of  the 
heart.  He  uttered  truth,  but  it  was  truth  the  power  of  which  he 
had  felt,  and  the  love  of  which  glowed  in  his  bosom.  I  have 
rarely  known  a  preacher  whose  ministrations  were  so  little  per- 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON.  409 

functory,  and  so  much  the  spontaneous  outflowing  of  a  full,  warm 
heart. 

"  In  style,  his  preaching  was  easy,  original,  and  striking.  If  it 
was  not  above  the  censures,  it  was  far  above  the  restraints  of  cri- 
ticism, for  apt  illustrations  and  rich  imagery  he  had  but  few  equals. 
His  power  lay  not  in  analytical  logic,  but  in  a  clear  and  felicitous 
illustration  of  truth.  But,  my  dear  hearers,  how  shall  I  recall  to 
your  remembrance  his  words  of  instruction,  of  encouragement,  of 
consolation,  of  warning  ?  Tax  your  memories,  recollect  how  you 
saw  him  in  this  pulpit — his  countenance,  his  voice,  his  manner ; 
how  he  told  you  of  your  depravity,  guilt,  and  danger;  of  the  Sa- 
viour's power,  love,  and  faithfulness ;  of  the  worth  of  your  souls; 
of  approaching  death,  judgment,  and  eternity ;  of  heaven  and  of 
hell.  For  the  salvation  of  the  souls  of  some  of  you,  I  know  he 
felt  a  special  and  anxious  concern,  and  in  private,  as  well  as  pub- 
lic, spake  to  you  the  'words  of  life.'" 

The  following,  from  Rev.  B.  Manly,  Jr.,  with  the  accompanying 
notes  of  a  sermon,  will  furnish  a  fair  specimen  of  his  preparation 
for  the  pulpit : — 

"  Preaching  in  the  lecture-room  of  the  First  Baptist  Church, 
Richmond,  the  other  day,  I  discovered  in  the  Bible  some  notes, 
which  had  been  left  there,  and  which  proved  to  be  the  memoranda 
of  the  last  sermon  preached  in  that  place  by  that  devoted  man  of 
God,  Brother  J.  S.  Reynoldson.  I  remember  the  sermon  well. 
He  was  providentially  here,  and  preached  it  on  a  week  night. 
There  was  not  much  general  interest,  though  the  church  was  en- 
gaged in  protracted  meeting.  It  was  a  warm,  spirited,  and  cha- 
racteristic discourse.  Many  points  were  presented  and  pointedly 
urged,  then  left  to  make  room  for  other  ideas.  His  sermons  gene- 
rally were  not  like  the  dash  of  waters  from  a  shower-bath,  accom- 
plishing all  their  effect  by  one  single  impact ;  but  like  the  powerful 
baths  of  our  '  Warm  Springs,'  surrounding  you  by  an  almost  im- 
perceptible influence,  and  infusing  health  through  innumerable 
pores.  He  had  no  uniform  method  of  sermonizing,  no  unity  of 
subject,  no  sameness  of  manner  in  preaching,  even  as  he  had  no 
stereotyped  system  of  revival  measures.  The  only  unity  he 
aimed  at  was  to  bring  sinners  to  unity  with  Jesus  Chr'st.  It 
mattered  not  how  that  could  be  accomplished. 

VOL.  n.  35 


410  J.  S.  EEYNOLDSON. 

"  Some  of  our  readers  will  be  glad  to  see  these  notes,  imper- 
fect as  they  are,  and  neediug,  of  course,  the  lively  imagination  and 
warm  heart  of  their  author  to  put  flesh  upon  the  bones.  As  a 
memorial  of  Brother  Reynoldson,  as  a  specimen  of  his  style  of 
preaching,  and  as  suggestive  to  some  of  us  who  are  ministers, 
they  may  serve  a  good  purpose.  I  have  barely  copied  them  off, 
adding  a  few  words,  occasionally,  to  explain  some  allusion  which 
would  be  scarcely  understood,  without  a  slight  expansion  of  his 
abbreviated  expressions. 

"  NOTES. 

"  Dan.  x.  19  :  0  man,  greatly  beloved — Fear  nit — Peace — Be 
strong. 

"  Such  the  messages  of  God,  by  an  angel  to  man.  Such  our 
consolation. 

"The  wheels  of  Providence  and  grace  worked  by  one  great 
Hand.  The  same  Being  who  sent  this  message  to  Daniel,  sent 
angels  to  direct  great  events.  His  object  is,  to  develop  character, 
to  mature  individual  graces,  to  convert  the  world.  Happy  he 
who  watches  these  workings  of  God. 

"  I. — A  GODLY  CHARACTER  clearly  set  forth  in  the  man  ad- 
dressed. Daniel  a  true  type  of  a  pious  man,  etc. 

"1.   Self-denial. 

"2.  Faith  and  dependence  on  God,  producing:  First,  a  spirit 
of  prayer ;  second,  simple  obedience  ;  third,  fearlessness  of  man ; 
fourth,  renunciation  of  all  for  conscience'  sake ;  fifth,  consistency. 

"  3.  Penitent  confession  and  intercession  for  Zion. 

"  II. — The  Lord's  GRACIOUS  HELPS  AND  ASSURANCES  to  such. 

"  1.  Greatly  beloved.  God's  love  great  to  all — to  the  poorest, 
to  the  worst,  to  all  the  world!  To  a  true  and  holy  character 
much  greater.  Loves  him  not  for  himself,  but  for  his  Son's  sake. 
Imputation.  Joy — rejoices  over  those  rescued  by  His  grace,  as 
woman  over  lost  coin ;  as  father  over  returning  prodigal ;  joy  in 
the  heart  of  the  Lord  of  heaven,  in  presence  of  the  angels.  Corne- 
lia: 'These  are  my  jewels.'  God  so  loves  the  lost  that  he  redeems 
them,  and  so  loves  the  redeemed  that  he  counts  them  his  jewels. 

"2.  Fear  not.  Oh,  chide  thy  doubts.  If  God  loves,  if  his 
Spirit  works,  why  fear  ?  Time  spent  in  doubts — the  time  you  wait 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON.  411 

before  coming  to  Christ — is  time  wasted.  First,  boy  and  stars  in 
darkness.  Nay,  more.  Second,  Caesar;  Christ  in  the  heart. 
You  have'  read  the  story  of  Caesar's  checking  the  fears  of  the 
sailors,  who  were  terrified  at  the  storm  :  '  Why  do  you  fear  ?  You 
carry  Caesar  and  his  fortunes.'  He  who  carries  Christ  in  the  ves- 
sel, may  smile  at  the  storm. 

"3.  Peace  be  unto  thee.  This  same  message  other  angels 
repeated,  when  they  announced  the  incarnation.  And  higher 
authority  still.  It  is  Christ1  s  legacy,  twice  confirmed.  For  Daniel's 
deliverance  then,  and  for  the  Christian  now,  God  works  without, 
as  well  as  within — controls  events  and  controls  him.  Thy  prayer 
is  heard,  thy  ways  ordered,  thy  end  ordained ;  peace.  Oh,  the 
peace  of  those  who  can  say,  'the  Lord  is  my  "portion' ! 

"  III. — GOD'S  DESIGN  AND  EXHORTATION.     Be  strong — 

"  1.  In  love — a  sure  principle.     Let  it  be  thy  leading  motive. 

"  2.  In  faith — take  a  sui'e  hold. 

"  3.  In  truth  —  God's  word  is  a  sure  word :  mighty  in  the 
Scriptures. 

"  4.  In  hope — sure  promise. 

"  5.  In  thy  work — in  thy  own  heart  and  life.  God  works  in 
power,  while  thou  laborest  in  weakness. 

"  6.  In  prayer  for  the  world — God  answers. 

"  Soon  thy  race  will  be  ended.  All,  save  thy  works  for  God, 
shall  be  destroyed.  Soon  Jesus'  victory  will  be  accomplished. 
Oh,  be  strong !  Soon  the  season  for  work  is  over.  Emulate 
those  whom  God  has  indorsed.  Be  strong." 

The  last  eighteen  months  of  his  life  were  spent  in  a  series  of 
protracted  meetings  in  various  parts  of  the  Southern  country,  and 
everywhere  his  ministry  seemed  to  be  followed  with  the  Divine 
blessing.  At  these  meetings  his  labors  were  excessive.  Day 
after  day,  and  sometimes  twice  and  thrice  each  day,  he  would 
continue  to  preach  and  exhort;  while  in  the  social  circle,  with 
holy  ardor  he  still  pressed  the  claims  of  the  Redeemer.  Thou- 
sands will  remember  his  sermons  on  these  occasions.  His  apt 
illustrations,  many  of  them  drawn  from  nautical  life,  and  so  gra- 
phically exhibited  as  to  be  pictured  on  the  minds  of  his  hearers ; 
his  earnest  manner  and  his  affectionate  spirit — all  rendered  him 


412  J-  S.  REYNOLDSON. 

not  only  attractive  as  a  speaker,  but  wonderfully  efficient.  Elder 
Jeter  says  of  him,  in  the  sermon  above  mentioned : — 

"  Few  men  have  accomplished  so  much  in  so  short  a  time  as 
Brother  Reynoldson.  He  commenced  his  ministry  in  the  year 
1841,  and  was  ordained  in  the  year  following.  For  the  first  few 
years  his  labors  were  confined  to  the  Valley  of  Virginia,  without 
any  remarkable  results.  It  was  as  an  agent  for  several  religious 
associations,  and  especially  as  an  evangelist,  that  his  efforts  were 
most  successful.  In  conducting  protracted  meetings  he  was  pre- 
eminently efficient.  For  this  work  his  vigorous  health,  habits  of 
endurance,  self-possession,  ready  elocution,  power  of  illustration, 
and  untiring  zeal,  and  command  over  the  feelings  of  men,  pecu- 
liarly fitted  him.  I  do  no  injustice,  I  think,  to  any  living  minister 
among  the  Virginia  Baptists,  when  I  affirm,  that  in  this  depart- 
ment of  labor  not  one  has  been  as  successful  as  he.  He  told  me, 
just  before  his  embarkation  for  Europe,  that  about  four  thousand 
persons  had  professed  to  be  converted  in  the  meetings  in  which  he 
had  labored.  And  this  was  not  a  loose  guess,  but  an  accurate 
estimate,  for  he  kept  a  list  of  their  names,  had  a  tenacious  remem- 
brance of  their  persons,  and  often  prayed  for  them. 

We  now  approach  the  termination  of  his  wonderful  career. 
He  had  ever  since  his  entrance  into  the  ministry  desired  to  visit 
his  relations,  and  especially  the  aunt,  who  had  in  the  early  years 
of  childhood  nursed  him  with  a  mother's  love.  He  hesitated  to 
leave  the  abundant  labors  in  which  he  was  engaged.  We 
remember,  with  sad  interest,  the  last  conversation  with  him.  He 
came  for  advice ;  and  the  argument  which  seemed  to  satisfy  him 
was,  that  in  his  fatherland  he  might  bear  his  testimony  against 
the  formalism  and  inefficiency  of  the  churches  there.  We  parted, 
to  meet  no  more  on  earth. 

His  nephew,  Rev.  T.  F.  Curtis,  remarked:  "I  never  met  with 
him  until  just  before  he  sailed  on  that  last  fatal  voyage.  Then, 
we  spent  a  day  or  two  together  in  New  York.  I  was  the  last 
person  who  saw  him  on  this  side  the  Atlantic.  He  spoke  for  me 
at  one  of  the  Friday  evening  prayer-meetings  in  Amity  Street, 
with  great  effect.  The  next  day  I  went  down  and  saw  him  off, 
on  one  of  the  Cunard  steamers." 

Mr.  Jeter  thus  refers  to  the  fearful  catastrophe  which  closed 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON.  413 

his  work  on  earth :  "  He  had  spent  a  large  portion  of  his  life  on 
the  sea ;  with  storms  he  was  familiar.  The  foam-crested  billow 
was  his  favorite  home.  From  a  thousand  perils  of  the  deep  he 
had  been  preserved  by  Him  whose  word  '  stilleth  the  tempest. 
The  voice  of  filial  duty  called  him  to  make  one  more  voyage,  and 
he  cheerfully  obeyed  that  voice.  He  spoke  to  me  of  the  possi- 
bility that  he  might  perish  in  the  voyage.  I  said  to  him,  with 
vain  confidence,  'There  is  no  danger  of  your  being  lost;  God 
will  preserve  you,  your  work  is  not  yet  finished.'  He  performed 
the  outward  voyage,  saw  his  venerated  aunt-mother,  and  renewed 
the  pleasing  associations  of  his  youth.  His  active  spirit  could 
not  be  still  in  the  land  of  his  nativity.  He  held  a  protracted 
meeting,  with  the  happiest  results.  A  letter  addressed  to  him 
has  recently  been  received  by  his  family  from  a  gentleman  in  Eng- 
land, expressing  the  most  grateful  acknowledgments  to  Brother 
Ileyuoldson  as  the  instrument  of  the  conversion  of  himself  and 
wife. 

"  The  mission  in  England  of  our  dear  brother  being  completed, 
more  than  one  hundred  days  ago,  he,  with  over  four  hundred  souls, 
sailed  in  the  noble  steamer,  City  of  Glasgow,  from  Liverpool, 
bound  for  Philadelphia.  All  beyond  this  point  is  covered  with 
impenetrable  gloom.  Icebergs  were  floating  in  the  track  of  the 
iron  steamer.  Nothing  more  is  known.  In  all  human  proba- 
bility nothing  more  will  be  known  on  earth.  How  gladly  would 
we  penetrate  the  veil  that  shrouds  the  fate  of  the  soul-freighted 
steamer  from  our  view !  But  we  must  not — cannot.  We  may 
conjecture  her  sad  fate — .the  concussion,  the  alarm,  the  deepening 
anxiety,  the  despairing  shrieks,  the  frantic  and  fruitless  efforts  to 
escape  the  impending  doom.  Oh,  it  was  an  agonizing  moment ! 
Proud  infidelity  quailed,  coveteousness  resigned  his  treasures, 
and  pleasure  her  gayeties  and  hopes,  and  the  transcendent  value 
of  pure  religion  appeared.  We  know  not  how  Reynoldson  was 
employed  in  that  hour  of  agony.  But  we  know  he  was  courage- 
ous— his  temperament,  habits,  and  faith  made  him  so  ;  and  if  there 
was  time  or  opportunity  for  ministering  the  comforts  of  religion, 
or  pointing  the  dying  sinner  to  Christ,  no  doubt  he  embraced 
this  last  hour  of  his  brief  and  useful  career  to  add  fresh  laurels  to 
the  chaplet  of  his  Redeemer.  He  was  forty-two  years  old." 

35* 


414  J-  S.  REYNOLDSON. 

Long  and  painful  was  the  suspense  in  which  the  minds  of  thou- 
sands of  his  brethren  and  friends  were  held.  The  dread  uncer- 
tainty at  last  became  a  reality.  Many  wept  that  they  should  see 
his  face  no  more.  The  self-denying,  generous,  warm-hearted 
Reynoldson  was  no  more  to  greet  us,  and  his  voice  is  never  again 
to  be  heard  pleading  with  sinners  to  be  reconciled  to  God.  But 
it  is  all  right.  His  Master  took  him — it  is  all  right. 

He  left  an  almost  heart-broken  wife,  and  two  young  daughters, 
to  mourn  his  sudden  death. 

The  following  interesting  communication,  from  his  aunt  in  Eng- 
land, to  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter,  develops  the  pleasing  fact  that  his  last 
work  on  earth  was  not  in  vain : — 

"Notwithstanding  the  fatal  result  of  our  beloved  nephew's 
visit  to  his  fatherland,  we  can  never  cease  to  rejoice  that  he  ac- 
complished it.  We  can  only  view  in  a  remarkable  manner  the 
hand  of  God  in  directing  his  way  on  his  last  great  and  important 
mission.  On  the  glorious  day  of  presentation,  will  his  crown  not 
only  shine  with  the  jewels  of  his  adopted  country,  but  with  those 
also  of  the  land  of  his  birth.  Mysterious  is  the  dispensation  con- 
cerning him,  that  he  should  have  been  sent  hither  after  so  long 
an  absence,  and  that  he  should  have  been  called  away  from  all 
earthly  enjoyments  when  enhanced  by  the  reopening  so  delight- 
fully of  the  connections  of  his  early  life.  To  us,  his  removal  is  a 
very  great  trial,  especially  to  his  aunt,  whose  love  was  strongly 
drawn  forth  to  the  orphan  boy  of  six  months  old,  and  has  in- 
creased in  intensity  from  that  time.  And,  notwithstanding  all 
her  anxiety  in  his  earlier  years,  she  had  ever  the  satisfaction  of 
feeling  her  affection  was  warmly  responded  to  in  every  period  of 
his  life ;  and  she  now  can  rejoice  in  the  fulfillment  of  the  encou- 
raging promise  in  the  darkest  hours,  'Train  up  a  child  in  the 
way  he  should  go,  and  when  he  is  old  he  shall  not  depart  there- 
from.' In  the  depth  of  our  grief  at  our  loss,  we  bless  our  God 
that  He  has  permitted  us  to  see  and  to  know  him  in  his  Chris- 
tian character ;  and  the  impression  that  he  has  left  behind  him  in 
"Wisbech  is,  that  it  will  be  long  ere  his  like  is  seen  again.  His 
holy  devotedness  to  the  great  work  of  his  Redeemer  appeared  to 
absorb  all  his  powers. 

"He  arrived  here  on  the  24th  of  December,  1853.    The  Christ- 


J.  S.  REYNOLDSON.  415 

mas-day  he  spent  with  a  family  party,  and  won  all  hearts  by  his 
engaging  manners — but  it  was  not  his  object  merely  to  amuse 
his  friends;  and  such  was  the  power  that  was  given  from  on 
high,  and  that  accompanied  his  conversation,  that  long  ere  he 
left  Wisbech,  that  Christmas-day  was  mentioned  as  a  last  and 
regretted  one  by  those  who  had  been  interested  in  it.  We  could 
not  have  prevailed  upon  him  to  have  remained  with  us  the  two 
months,  had  he  not  found  means  of  engaging  in  his  Master's 
work.  Night  after  night,  to  the  astonishment  of  many,  he  com- 
manded an  audience  to  hear  the  glad  tidings  of  the  gospel. 
Though  much  prejudice  prevailed  at  first,  from  the  report  that  he 
was  a  slaveholder,  everything  gave  way.  There  was  a  fascination 
in  his  preaching,  which  brought  home  the  truths  of  God's  word  to 
the  hearts  and  consciences  of  the  people,  and  which  so  irresistibly 
attracted  them,  that  having  once  heard  him,  nothing  could  keep 
them  back.  From  thirty  or  forty  hearers,  he  at  length  was 
attended  by  upwards  of  six  hundred ;  a  small  figure  this  will 
appear  to  you — but  not  so  in  our  little  town,  where  such  a  gather- 
ing, night  after  night,  is  regarded  as  a  very  remarkable  feature 
of  the  times.  And,  had  he  continued  to  the  end  of  the  year,  it 
was  generally  thought  that  the  numbers  would  have  increased 
more  and  more.  And  the  result  has  not  been  a  temporary  one. 
In  our  own  church  the  addition  to  our  members  has  been  unprece- 
dented this  year ;  among  some  other  denominations  still  more  ;  and 
we  have  heard,  numbers  have  been  brought  to  reflection  who  had 
not  previously  a  serious  thought.  We  have  great  cause  to  rejoice 
in  this  beloved  messenger  of  God,  as  through  his  instrumentality 
my  youngest  daughter,  Mrs.  William  Dawbarn,  has  been  emanci- 
pated from  the  powers  of  darkness,  and  brought  into  the  kingdom 
of  her  Lord  and  Saviour,  and  was  united  to  our  church  soon 
after  dear  Smith's  departure,  together  with  her  brother  and  sister- 
in-law. 

"Thus,  my  dear  sir,  you  will  perceive,  while  we  mourn,  we 
have  much  comfort  and  joy  in  the  remembrance  of  his  profitable 
and  pleasant  company,  and  in  what  the  Lord  has  been  pleased  to 
effect  by  him.  He  was  returning  to  his  dear  wife  and  children 
with  great  delight  and  satisfaction,  and  to  his  many  highly  valued 
friends — for  his  affectionate  heart  had  been  fully  reciprocated 


416  GEORGE  LOVE. 

with  in  the  land  of  his  nativity.  He  returned,  as  he  fondly  hoped, 
when  he  left  us,  to  meet  the  joyous  welcome  of  those  he  loved  in 
his  adopted  country.  I  can  never  forget  the  expression  of  his 
countenance,  beaming  with  pleasure,  as  he  packed  his  trunks, 
laden  with  presents  to  his  family,  in  the  expectation  of  the  delight 
which  they  would  experience  as  he  presented  the  gifts  to  them 
from  his  many  friends.  Very  substantial  proofs  of  affection  were 
presented  to  himself;  and  we  regret  now  that  he  did  not  make 
some  pecuniary  arrangement,  independent  of  his  own  person. 
Among  other  things  he  took  out  with  him  were  some  books,  I 
believe  valuable,  which  he  was  commissioned  to  purchase,  and 
which  he  had  done  very  satisfactorily.  A  fine  miniature  portrait 
of  his  father,  which  his  aunt  had  preserved  for  him  so  many  years, 
also  rests  with  him." 


GEORGE     LOVE. 

ELDER  GEORGE  LOVE  was  a  man  of  no  ordinary  excellence  of 
character.  Such  a  life  as  his  it  is  pleasant  to  review.  It  reflects 
a  lustre  on  that  holy  religion  we  love,  exemplifying  its  power  to 
purify  and  elevate.  Perhaps  it  is  a  stronger  demonstration  than 
the  best  conducted,  most  lucid  argument  can  furnish  in  its  favor. 
The  heart  knows  how  to  appreciate  its  persuasive  influence. 

His  birth  occurred  in  the  County  of  Fauquier,  Virginia,  on  the 
30th  of  May,  1781.  His  early  life  was  passed  in  circumstances 
favorable  to  the  development  of  his  mental  powers  and  the  acqui- 
sition of  valuable  knowledge.  He  began  the  study  of  law  in 
Alexandria,  and  afterwards  prosecuted  and  completed  his  studies 
in  Knoxville,  Tennessee.  He  became  well  versed  in  the  science 
of  the  legal  profession,  but  extreme  diffidence  prevented  an  en- 
trance upon  the  practice.  In  the  County  of  Fauquier,  however, 
no  man  was  regarded  as  more  reliable  in  his  views  and  decisions 
on  all  points  of  law,  and  his  readiness  to  promote  the  interests  of 
his  country  was  evinced  by  serving  in  the  capacity  of  a  magistrate 
for  forty  years. 


GEORGE  LOVE.  417 

He  entered  the  marriage  relation,  February  4,  1802,  with  Miss 
S.  Hale,  and  their  conjugal  felicity  was  uninterrupted  until  the 
moment  when  it  was  closed  by  death.  After  his  marriage  he 
commenced  farming  operations.  In  these  he  took  much  interest, 
and  continued  them  through  life. 

Shortly  after  his  marriage,  a  deep  and  settled  conviction  of  his 
want  of  conformity  to  the  law  of  God  so  oppressed  his  mind, 
that  he  seemed  for  a  season  to  be  disqualified  for  the  enjoyments 
and  duties  of  life.  He  remembered  God,  and  was  troubled.  God, 
as  a  holy  and  benevolent  being,  he  had  not  glorified.  He  recog- 
nized the  claim  of  his  Maker  as  equitable  and  good,  and  yet  he 
knew  and  felt  that  this  claim  had  been  set  at  naught.  How  could 
he  be  otherwise  than  dismayed,  in  view  of  his  heavy  guilt  and  the 
just  condemnation  in  which  he  was  involved  ?  His  distress  was 
such  that  his  friends  feared  he  might  sink  into  a  settled  gloom. 
He  had  not  as  yet  correct  views  of  the  plan  of  salvation,  but 
going  about  to  establish  his  own  righteousness,  he  remained,  for 
about  two  years,  in  mind  unsettled  and  unhappy.  During  this 
time,  however,  a  purpose  was  formed  to  seek  God,  and  to  call 
upon  his  name.  Regular  family  worship  was  established.  Morn- 
ing and  evening  he  collected  his  household,  including  a  large 
number  of  servants,  read  the  Scriptures,  and  sought  the  Divine 
mercy. 

At  length  he  was  brought  into  the  liberty  of  the  gospel ;  and 
after  a  careful  examination  of  his  own  heart,  and  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, with  a  view  to  ascertain  the  path  of  duty,  he  was  baptized 
by  Elder  Grinstead,  and  united  with  the  Long  Branch  Church,  in 
the  year  1804.  Of  this  church  he  remained  a  member  about  fifty 
years.  Shortly  after  this  connection  was  formed,  a  serious  con- 
cern on  the  question  of  entrance  into  the  ministry  was  enter- 
tained, but  the  constitutional  diffidence  already  referred  to  kept 
him  from  the  work.  But  he  was  not  idle  in  his  Master's  service, 
nor  could  he  be  restrained  from  the  exercise  of  his  gifts  in  a  more 
private  way.  He  was  soon  brought  into  the  deacon's  office,  and 
in  this  obtained  a  good  report  and  great  boldness  in  the  faith. 
Uniform  in  his  attendance  on  public  worship,  and  energetic  in  his 
endeavors  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  church,  he  evinced  the 
power  of  a  living  principle  controlling  his  whole  Christian  cha- 

VOL.  II 2  B 


418  GEORGE   LOVE. 

racter.  This  was  true  in  the  darkest,  coldest  seasons,  as  well  as 
in  times  of  revival. 

One  who  could  well  testify  on  his  behalf,  thus  refers  to  several 
peculiarities  of  his  character  and  history :  "  His  manner  of  per- 
suading his  fellow-sinners  to  be  reconciled  to  God  was  peculiarly 
happy,  and  many  were  converted  through  his  instrumentality. 
He  for  some  time  had  charge  of  a  Bible-class,  composed  of  the 
younger  members  of  the  church,  for  which  his  intimate  acquaint- 
ance with  the  holy  Scriptures  particularly  qualified  him.  He 
loved,  too,  to  labor  in  the  Sabbath-school,  that  he  might  train  the 
infant  mind  for  heaven.  He  was  particularly  interested  in  the 
young  men  of  the  church,  who  were  encouraged  by  him  to  exer- 
cise their  talents  for  speaking  and  praying  in  public.  He  was 
thus  the  means  of  drawing  out  some  five  or  six,  who  afterwards 
became  efficient  laborers  in  the  vineyard  of  their  Lord. 

"  During  the  revival  at  Long  Branch,  which  occurred  under 
the  administration  of  Rev.  William  F.  Broaddus,  he  was  exceed- 
ingly useful.  To  him  persons  who  were  interested  on  the  subject 
of  their  soul's  salvation  felt  free  to  go  to  inquire  the  way  of  life, 
for  they  never  doubted  that  they  would  have  his  warmest  sympa- 
thies and  prayers.  His  house  was  open  for  preaching  and  prayer- 
meetings,  and  nothing  was  omitted  which  he  thought  would  in  the 
least  promote  the  cause.  He  was  a  father  in  Israel ;  and  though 
not  at  all  bigoted,  but  loving  Christians  of  every  name,  he  con- 
sidered the  Baptists  his  peculiar  people,  and  ever  exercised  a  due 
regard  for  their  distinctive  sentiments,  believing  them  to  be  taught 
in  the  Word  of  God. 

"  The  one  object  of  his  life  seemed  to  be  the  glory  of  God  and 
the  salvation  of  souls.  To  the  poor  particularly  will  his  memory 
be  dear.  Imitating  the  example  of  his  blessed  Master,  he  went 
about  'doing  good ;'  relieving  the  oppressed,  and  speaking  a  word 
of  comfort  to  the  sorrowing. 

"At  first  sight,  owing  to  his  extreme  diffidence,  one  might  have 
supposed  him  unduly  reserved  and  forbidding ;  but  upon  a  better 
acquaintance,  he  was  found  to  be  affable,  accessible,  and  kind. 
His  house  might  be  termed  the  home  of  the  Baptists,  and  the 
sick  and  the  distressed  were  particularly  welcome  there. 

"In  1814  he  was  captain  of  one  of  the  companies  sent  to  pro- 


GEORGE   LOVE.  419 

tect  Richmond.  He  was  posted  at  Camp  Holly ;  bat  in  three  or 
four  months  after  entering  upon  duty,  he  was  taken  sick  with 
camp  fever,  and  was  moved  to  the  hospitable  abode  of  Mrs.  Plea- 
sants,  where  he  received  every  attention  that  the  hand  of  kind- 
ness could  bestow.  Here  he  remained  six  weeks,  and  at  the 
expiration  of  that  time  he  had  recovered  sufficiently  to  be  brought 
home,  but  in  such  an  enfeebled  state  that  he  was  not  able  to  return 
to  Camp  Holly  before  his  company  were  discharged.  In  1824, 
he  was  out  for  six  months  on  a  surveying  expedition  on  the  James 
River. 

"Although  eminently  useful  to  his  country,  and  in  the  positions 
in  which  he  held  so  conspicuous  a  place,  it  was  in  the  domestic 
circle  that  he  shone  most  brightly.  There,  he  was  all  that  a  fond 
wife  and  a  loving  daughter  could  wish.  For  the  salvation  of  his 
only  child  he  labored  earnestly,  even  from  the  earliest  moment  of 
her  existence.  When  she  was  not  more  than  three  years  of  age, 
he  would  take  her  by  the  hand,  as  twilight  drew  on — that  season 
best  fitted  for  serious  consideration — into  a  vacant  room,  and 
speak  to  her  of  the  loveliness  of  the  Saviour ;  of  Jesus,  who  was 
all  love,  and  full  of  compassion.  Then  impressions  were  made 
upon  her  mind  that  were  never  obliterated.  She  always  desired 
to  love  that  Saviour,  who  made  her  father  so  happy  and  so  good 
a  man.  Nor  did  his  efforts  stop  here ;  his  letters  to  her  while  she 
was  at  school  evince  the  greatest  anxiety  for  her  eternal  welfare ; 
they  were  almost  wholly  filled  with  religious  admonition.  His 
efforts  were  not  in  vain  ;  long  before  his  earthly  career  was  ended, 
he  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  that  daughter  buried  with  Christ  in 
baptism  ;  thus  declaring  her  determination  to  renounce  the  vani- 
ties of  the  world,  and  live  for  Him  who  redeemed  her." 

The  letters  above  referred  to  breathe  the  spirit  of  a  warm- 
hearted Christian  parent.  In  one  of  them  he  writes :  "  I  am  at 
all  times  greatly  concerned  for  your  conversion.  A  few  days  ago 
I  felt  more  than  ordinary  interest  in  your  welfare,  on  reading  an 
account  of  a  revival  of  religion  in  a  school  at  the  South.  I 
thought  how  glad  I  should  be  to  know  that  this  was  the  case 
in  your  school,  and  inexpressibly  so  to  hear  that  my  only,  my 
pi*ecious  child,  was  one  of  the  happy  number  who  had  found 
Jesus." 


420  GEORGE  LOVE. 

At  another  time,  writing  from  Kentucky,  he  says:  "0  my 
daughter,  could  I  contain  myself;  should  I  not  cry  aloud  for  joy, 
if  I  could  believe  that  my  dear,  my  only  child,  had  been  translated 
from  the  power  of  darkness  into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son  ? 
Let  me  beseech  you  to  pray  to  Him  who  is  able  to  grant  you 
every  good  thing.  He  has  never  sent  one  empty  away  who  went 
to  him  in  the  spirit  of  a  beggar." 

Again  he  writes:  "I  have  a  hope,  a  confidence  in  God,  that 
if  he  has  not  already  been  at  work  in  you  by  his  Spirit,  he  will 
yet  bless  me  in  this  particular.  It  has  been  my  almost  daily  prayer 
from  the  day  of  your  birth.  And  so  long  as  my  right  hand  is  not 
forgetful  of  its  cunning,  will  I  not  be  forgetful  of  the  mercies  of 
my  God.  O  my  daughter,  if  you  seek  the  Lord,  he  will  be  found 
of  you.  There  is  more  real  joy  in  holiness  in  one  day,  than  in 
the  pleasures  of  sin  forever.  I  pray  God  you  may  possess  it." 

These  are  only  a  few  of  the  selections  which  might  be  culled 
from  his  letters.  They  evince  the  deep  current  of  sympathy 
running  out  from  a  heart  which  knew,  by  blessed  experience,  the 
value  of  the  gospel.  What  he  thus  expresses  on  behalf  of  his 
child,  he  felt  for  his  servants,  his  neighbors,  his  fellow-men  every- 
where. 

With  reference  to  his  influence  as  a  Christian  man,  and  the 
circumstances  of  his  call  to  the  ministry,  we  extract  from  the  pen 
of  Rev.  William  F.  Broaddus,  who  was  for  many  years  his  pastor 
and  intimate  friend. 

"  From  the  time  of  his  uniting  with  the  church,  he  had  strong 
desires  toward  the  gospel  ministry ;  but  his  constitutional  timidity 
for  many  years  prevented  his  entering  upon  this  work  ;  though  as 
a  deacon  he  manifested  such  a  zeal  for  God,  and  so  intimate  an 
acquaintance  with  the  holy  Scriptures,  that  the  church  with  which 
he  was  connected  (Long  Branch)  derived  great  profit  from  his 
official  labors,  and  finally  became  a  mother  church,  from  which  an 
influence  extended  into  a  wide  field,  that  is  still  yielding  abundant 
fruit  to  the  glory  of  God.  For  many  years  he  was  clerk  of 
'  Columbia  Association,'  and  afterwards,  for  nineteen  years,  of 
'  Salem  Union  Association,'  and  no  one  ever  filled  this  office  with 
greater  satisfaction  to  the  brethren  than  he.  His  promptness  and 
accuracy  in  the  discharge  of  his  official  duties  were  proverbial ; 


GEORGE  LOVE.  421 

and  when  in  1852,  on  account  of  his  age  and  infirmities,  he  re- 
signed the  clerkship  of  the  '  Salem  Union,'  there  was  a  universal 
feeling  of  regret. 

"At  about  fifty  years  of  age,  Brother  Love  began  to  preach, 
and  was  soon  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  The  circum- 
stances under  which  he  commenced  preaching  were  very  peculiar. 
He  had  been  associated  for  many  years  in  the  deacon's  office  with 
Brother  John  C.  Herndon,  who  a  few  years  ago  emigrated  to 
Missouri,  and  died  there  full  of  Christian  honors.  They  had 
been  true  yoke-fellows  in  the  deacon's  office.  At  length,  four  of 
Brother  Herndon's  sons  were  licensed  to  preach,  and  soon  gave 
fair  promise  of  becoming  useful  ministers.  The  zeal  of  these 
young  brethren  so  stirred  up  the  soul  of  their  pious  father  that 
he  felt  constrained,  though  more  than  fifty  years  of  age,  to  come 
forward  as  a  preacher  of  the  gospel.  He  consulted  his  beloved 
brother,  the  subject  of  this  notice,  and  found  him  burdened  with 
the  same  desire  ;  whereupon  they  agreed  to  consult  their  pastor 
on  the  subject,  and,  receiving  encouragement  from  him,  they  began 
to  preach  at  the  prayer-meetings  and  at  the  houses  of  their 
neighbors,  and  in  a  few  months  the  church  at  Long  Branch  pro- 
posed their  ordination,  and  they  were  both  set  apart  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry. 

"  For  many  years  Brother  Love  had  been  a  constant  student  of 
the  Bible ;  but  from  the  time  he  entered  the  ministry  he  seemed 
to  awake  to  a  keener  relish  for  the  word  of  God ;  and,  possessing 
himself  of  a  well-selected  library,  he  set  about  studying  for  the 
ministry  with  all  the  zeal  and  anxiety  of  a  young  minister.  How 
often  has  the  writer  of  this  sketch  heard  him  exclaim,  '  Oh  that 
I  had  began  to  preach  the  gospel  in  the  morning  of  my  life!' 
But  late  as  it  was,  he  determined,  as  far  as  possible,  to  'make  full 
proof  of  his  ministry;'  and  although  he  never  entirely  conquered 
the  diffidence  which  for  so  many  years  had  prevented  him  from 
engaging  in  this  great  work,  and  consequently  never  became  a 
fluent  public  speaker,  yet  so  clear  were  his  expositions  of  the 
Bible,  and  so  scriptural  his  whole  system  of  religious  doctrine, 
that  those  who  heard  him  could  not  fail  to  be  greatly  instructed 
by  his  ministrations. 

"  In  the  organization  of  the  '  Salem  Union  Association,'  our 

VOL.  ii.  36 


GEORGE  LOVE. 

brother  had  an  important  agency.  There  were  some  others  who 
were  regarded  by  the  public  as  more  prominent  in  this  enterprise ; 
but  there  are  some  who  know  that  the  head  and  heart  of  George 
Love  brought  forward  the  bold  idea  of  organizing  a  new  associa- 
tion of  Baptists,  in  the  midst  of  opposition  and  persecution  which 
but  few  men  would  have  been  willing  to  encounter.  The  history 
of  the  Association  is  briefly  this.  For  many  years  there  had  been 
propagated  in  several  counties  of  Virginia  bordering  on  the  Blue 
Ridge,  both  east  and  west,  and  in  Maryland,  a  system  of  theology 
which  led  almost  to  entire  inaction  on  the  part  of  Christians ;  and 
the  consequence  was,  that  the  Baptist  churches  were  generally  in  a 
declining  state  within,  and  doing  nothing  without,  toward  the 
spread  of  the  gospel ;  while  the  few  who  were  disposed  to  labor 
for  a  better  state  of  things,  were  denounced  as  heretics  and 
deceivers.  The  Ketockton  and  Columbia  Associations  were  led 
by  the  master-spirits  of  this  anti-effort  party  to  declare  non-fel- 
lowship with  those  who  were  engaged  in  the  cause  of  missions, 
and  who  preached  the  gospel  to  the  unconverted.  It  was  this  last 
move  that  stirred  the  soul  of  our  brother  with  a  desire  to  see  the 
Baptists  around  him  brought  into  a  more  scriptural  organization, 
and  led  him,  in  concert  with  others,  to  organize  a  new  association. 
Twenty  years'  experience  has  fairly  proved  the  wisdom  of  this 
policy." 

From  the  above  extracts  it  is  seen  that  very  much  through  his 
influence  the  "Salem  Union  Association"  was  organized.  He 
was  the  chairman  of  the  committee  to  draft  a  constitution.  As 
illustrative  of  his  style  of  writing,  and  the  spirit  he  cherished,  the 
following  extract  from  the  preamble  is  subjoined  : — 

"We  seek  the  glory  of  God,  the  peace  of  Zion,  and  the  con- 
version of  sinners ;  and  we  ask  the  prayers  of  all  who  are  engaged 
in  the  same  cause,  that  God  may  bless  our  labors  in  the  kingdom 
of  Jesus.  We  know  that  many  who  would  otherwise  love  us  in 
the  truth  are  prejudiced  against  us  by  the  misrepresentations  of 
others,  and  led  into  an  honest  belief  that  we  are  heretics  and 
deceivers ;  we  entreat  such  to  meet  us  in  friendly  investigation  of 
our  views  of  truth,  and  we  doubt  not  we  shall  be  able  to  satisfy 
them  that  we  are  contending  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the 
saints.  We  look  forward  with  pleasure  to  a  time  when  many  who 


GEORGE  LOVE.  423 

are  kept  at  a  distance  from  us  will  see  that  the  measures  pursued 
by  our  enemies  are  not  such  as  the  word  of  God  and  the  usage 
of  our  denomination  will  sustain.  As  for  those  who  have  organ- 
ized themselves  into  a  party  for  the  purpose  of  opposing  the 
benevolent  movements  of  the  present  day,  and  who  are  circulating 
'  The  Signs  of  the  Times,'  and  seeking  to  create  prejudice  against 
all  who  are  engaged  in  these  movements,  we  feel  no  other  senti- 
ments toward  them  than  those  of  pity,  that  men  bearing  the 
Christian  name  should  act  a  part  so  contrary  to  the  requirements 
of  the  word  of  God.  We  pray  for  them,  that  God  may  give  them 
more  of  that  spirit  of  benevolence  which  they  profess  to  have  felt 
at  the  time  of  their  conversion,  when  they  cried  out,  '  Oh  that  the 
whole  earth  were  converted  to  Jesus!'" 

Thus  the  strong  love  he  felt  for  Christ  and  his  cause  evinced 
itself.  The  same  regard  was  felt  for  individual  men ;  the  poorest 
and  the  lowest,  as  well  as  his  own  brethren.  For  his  large  family 
of  servants  he  felt  a  special  concern,  instructing  them  in  spiritual 
things.  Before  his  death,  he  arranged  for  their  removal  to  Liberia. 
This  was  carried  out  according  to  his  wish. 

We  close  this  sketch  by  two  or  three  extracts  from  a  sermon 
preached  on  the  occasion  of  his  death  by  Rev.  William  F. 
Broaddus. 

"He  loved  God. — Let  those  who  knew  him  testify,  and  they  will 
all,  with  one  consent,  agree  that  the  love  of  God  was  for  many 
years  his  'ruling  passion.'  In  all  his  diversified  occupations  (and 
few  men  were  ever  more  burdened  with  business)  he  seemed  not 
to  forget  that  God  was  entitled  to  his  warmest  affections.  His 
love  to  God  and  his  cause  led  to  labors  and  sacrifices  which  no 
inferior  principle  ever  could  have  induced.  The  word  of  God 
was  his  daily  companion  ;  and  if  he  found  himself  called  upon, 
whether  by  the  word  or  the  providence  of  God,  to  give  up  his 
own  personal  comfort,  it  was  done  without  a  murmur,  almost 
without  an  effort.  The  goodness  of  God  was  his  favorite  theme 
of  contemplation,  and  seemed  always  to  furnish  the  strongest 
incentive  he  felt  to  a  life  of  Christian  obedience.  What  he  did 
for  God  was  done  because  he  loved  him,  and  felt  more  delighted 
in  pleasing  him  than  in  pleasing  men.  Such  was  his  admiration 
of  the  Divine  Being,  that  he  often  spoke  of  it  as  his  greatest 


424  GEORGE  LOVE. 

> 

desire  that  he  could  be  more  like  God ;  that  he  could  love  holiness 
as  it  deserves  to  be  loved,  and  hate  sin  as  it  deserves  to  be  hated. 
Many  hours  of  his  life  were  spent  in  secret  communion  with  his 
Heavenly  Father,  and  his  conversation  on  religious  subjects 
showed  that  in  such  communion  he  came  nearer  to  God  than 
mere  nominal  professors  ever  do,  and  received  such  tokens  of  the 
Divine  acceptance  as  made  him  uniformly  cheerful  and  happy  in 
the  service  of  his  Redeemer. 

"And  now,  let  us  follow  our  beloved  brother  in  his  exchange 
of  worlds.  It  was  my  privilege  to  visit  him  more  than  once  after 
disease  had  cut  him  off  from  the  active  pursuits  of  life.  For 
more  than  a  year  he  was  for  the  most  part  confined  to  his  house, 
and  for  a  portion  of  that  time  he  was  a  great  sufferer.  Yet  he 
preserved  his  confidence  in  God,  and  was  comforted  under  his 
heavy  affliction.  When  I  saw  him  last,  about  one  week  before 
his  death,  he  was  so  enfeebled  by  disease  as  scarcely  to  be  able  to 
converse  with  me.  But  his  intellect  was  wonderfully  preserved, 
and  his  faith  remained  unshaken.  Grasping  my  hand  with  great 
energy  he  said,  '  I  have  for  many  years  believed  that  it  is  rational 
to  trust  in  the  righteousness  of  Jesus ;  and  now,  when  all  human 
helps  are  failing  me,  I  find  his  righteousness  all-sufficient.'  When 
I  proposed  to  pray  with  him  for  the  last  time,  as  I  was  about  (• 
leave  him,  he  said,  'Yes,  I  want  you  to  pray  for  me,  and  for  my 
family,  especially  for  my  dear  sisters.  Pray  for  them,  and  exhort 
them  to  seek  the  Lord.'  I  left  him,  with  no  prospect  of  meeting 
him  again  on  earth,  but  with  a  strong  confidence  that  if  I  should 
find  my  way  to  the  heavenly  mansions  I  shall  meet  with  him  there. 

"  The  last  hours  of  our  dear  brother  were  marked  by  the  same 
simple  reliance  on  the  merits  of  Jesus,  and  the  same  quiet  sub- 
mission to  the  Divine  will,  that  had  marked  his  character  for 
many  years.  Dying,  to  him,  was  only  going  home.  Ripe  for 
heaven,  he  left  earth  without  regret,  and  entered  into  the  spirit- 
world  with  eager  interest  to  behold  the  face  of  Him  he  had  so  long 
loved  and  honored.  To  his  dear  daughter  he  expressed  himself 
clearly  as  ready  to  depart.  'I  feel,'  said  he,  'that  Jesus  is  with 
me — and  angels  are  waiting  around  me  to  bear  my  spirit  home.' 
Sending  messages  of  love  to  his  friends,  especially  his  brethren  in 
Christ,  he  continued,  as  long  as  he  had  strength  to  speak,  to 


JAMES  LEFTWICH.  425 

exhort  those  around  him  to  prepare  to  meet  him  in  heaven.  And 
now,  who  can  doubt  that  he  enjoys  the  fullness  of  his  Saviour's 
presence  ?  Freed  now  from  all  that  hindered  his  upward  pro- 
gress while  he  dwelt  on  earth,  he  enjoys  the  great  desire  of  his 
heart ;  and  has  entered  on  that  bright  career  of  uninterrupted 
moral  progress  which,  while  on  earth,  he  contemplated  as  part  of 
his  inheritance.  Could  we  converse  with  him  now,  what  glowing 
views  would  he  give  us  of  the  heavenly  blessedness !  Perhaps  ere 
this,  some  one  or  more  of  the  many  who  loved  him  on  earth  have 
given  him  information  that  his  labors  for  their  spiritual  good 
were  blessed  of  God  to  their  conversion ;  while  others  acknow- 
ledge the  aid  which  under  God  he  gave  them  in  discharging  their 
duty  to  God  and  to  his  cause.  Oh,  what  riches  does  he  now 
enjoy  in  the  disclosures  made  to  him  in  the  spirit-land  !  His 
body,  as  yours  and  mine  will,  lies  deep  in  the  cold,  dark  grave, 
and  will  soon  be  eaten  of  worms ;  but  his  spirit,  fitted  for  its  new 
associations  and  occupations,  revels  in  the  never-fading  delights 
of  the  heavenly  paradise." 


JAMES    LEFTWICH. 

NONE  of  those  who  have  listened  to  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
will  soon  forget  his  noble  appearance,  and  the  warm,  impassioned 
manner  in  which  he  exhibited  the  precious  gospel  of  Christ. 
With  him  the  work  of  preaching  was  no  mere  form.  He  threw 
his  whole  soul  in  it,  and  many  were  the  seals  of  his  ministry. 

We  have  received  from  Mrs.  Leftwich,  his  widow,  a  reference 
to  the  leading  events  of  his  life,  and  we  know  not  that  a  memo- 
rial so  appropriate  as  this  can  be  prepared  by  another.  With 
some  changes,  therefore,  her  own  sketch  is  hereby  given. 

JAMES  LEFTWICH  was  born  January  31st,  1798,  in  Bedford 
County,  Virginia,  about  six  miles  south  of  Liberty,  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Bunker  Hill.  He  was  the  fourth  living  son  of  Rev. 
William  Leftwich,  and  Frances  O.,  his  first  wife,  the  only  daughter 


42G  JAMES   LEFTWICH. 

of  Col.  John  and  Mary  Otey,  of  Bedford  County — all  of  whom 
were  members  of  the  Baptist  church. 

His  father  lived  to  raise  ten  children,  all  of  whom  were  pro- 
fessors of  religion.  He  died  in  the  eighty-first  year  of  his  age. 
For  more  than  forty  years  he  labored  actively  and  faithfully  in  the 
ministry,  and  only  desisted  from  its  arduous  duties  because  of  the 
weakness  of  advancing  age.  He  was  eminent  above  many  of  his 
cotemporaries,  for  a  pure  and  catholic  spirit,  a  warm  and  active 
affection  toward  all  other  bodies  of  Christians,  and  a  zealous  and 
efficient  advocate  of  all  the  great  institutions  of  benevolence.  He 
was  ever  ready  to  unite  in  any  work  and  labor  of  love ;  and  his 
influence  for  good  was  extensively  and  powerfully  felt. 

It  is  also  said  of  his  mother,  that  she  was  "  a  woman  of  sin- 
gular excellence ;"  and  no  doubt  her  deep  humility,  which  was  said 
to  be  one  of  her  most  prominent  traits  of  character,  together  with 
her  zeal  and  self-denial  for  the  promotion  of  her  Redeemer's 
kingdom,  added  greatly  to  her  husband's  usefulness  and  the  ulti- 
mate conversion  of  her  children.  I  have  often  heard  it  said  by 
some  of  them,  that,  on  the  Lord's  day,  while  her  husband  was 
absent  preaching,  after  reading  and  talking  to  her  children  on  the 
subject  of  religion,  besides  making  them  read  to  her,  she  would 
enter  a  room  and  become  so  much  engaged  that  they  could  dis- 
tinctly hear  her  in  prayer  and  communion  with  God.  Who  can 
estimate  the  value  of  such  a  mother  ?  When  standing  beside  her 
grave,  I  have  felt  like  falling  on  the  earth  that  covered  her  dear 
remains  and  praising  God  for  her  influence  as  the  mother  of 
James  Leftwich. 

The  early  instruction  and  example  thus  enjoyed  were  of  great 
influence  in  forming  his  moral  and  Christian  character.  We  have 
seen  some  who  regarded  small  things,  in  the  education  of  children, 
as  utterly  insignificant,  in  consequence  of  which  their  religious 
instructions  fell  short  of  the  desired  eifect — which,  no  doubt,  is 
often  the  result.  The  want  of  early  example  and  proper  disci- 
pline is  sadly  seen  in  the  impiety  and  ruin  of  thousands.  How 
solemn  the  responsibility  of  parents  and  guardians  !  Who  is 
sufficient  to  train  immortal  souls  for  heaven  ? 

James  Leftwich  was  not  signalized  in  his  youth  for  any  peculiar 
traits  of  character  prognostic  of  future  usefulness.  A  dutiful 


JAMES   LEFTWICH.  427 

son,  with  a  devoted  fondness  for  his  mother  and  sisters,  were  the 
only  characteristics  of  his  youth,  together  with  an  interest  in  busi- 
ness pursuits.  His  early  fondness  for  employment,  with  his 
father's  wish  to  bring  up  his  sons  to  industrious  habits,  contributed 
to  prepare  him  for  active  usefulness  both  in  secular  business  and 
as  a  minister  of  the  gospel. 

While  engaged  with  a  servant,  in  the  days  of  boyhood,  in  haul- 
ing a  hogshead  of  tobacco,  a  hoop  flew  off  and  gave  him  a  severe 
blow  on  the  leg,  which  terminated  in  white  swelling.  This  painful 
affliction  continued  for  several  years,  during  which  he  was  greatly 
reduced,  suffering  the  most  intense  anguish,  and  affecting  his 
mental  faculties.  So  great  was  his  suffering,  and  continuing  so 
long,  that  he  became  an  object  of  sympathy  to  all  who  knew  him. 
It  might  be  supposed  that  during  this  protracted  affliction  he  had 
deep  and  pungent  feelings  in  regard  to  his  condition  as  a  sinner, 
but  I  have  no  recollection  of  hearing  him  speak  of  his  feelings  ou 
that  subject,  further  than  a  great  fear  of  death,  and  a  continual 
desire  for  the  presence  of  his  mother.  Her  tender  sympathies 
seemed  most  to  console  and  comfort  him.  During  this  time  her 
conversation  made  many  lasting  impressions  on  his  mind. 

After  his  recovery  he  went  to  Lynchburg,  to  render  services  in 
a  store.  He  then  had  very  little  more  than  a  common  English 
education.  He  had  been  under  the  tuition  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Flood, 
of  Bedford  County.  This  gentleman  had  the  honor  of  giving  the 
finishing  touch  to  most  of  the  young  men  of  the  country,  some  of 
whom  have  distinguished  themselves  in  various  professions. 

Mr.  Leftwich  was  not  particularly  fond  of  reading  at  an  early 
age,  but  was  devoted  to  business  and  pleasure,  often  engaging  in 
the  giddy  dance  and  mingling  in  gay  company.  Had  it  not  been 
for  the  early  influence  of  a  pious  mother,  James  Leftwich  might 
have  yielded  to  the  many  temptations  so  peculiar  to  young  men 
residing  in  towns  and  cities.  But  night  after  night  has  he  wet  his 
pillow  with  tears  at  the  remembrance  of  a  mother's  love  —  a 
mother's  solicitude  for  his  welfare. 

A  few  years  passed,  and  he  was  induced  to  leave  Lynchburg  to 
enter  into  the  mercantile  business  in  Franklin  County,  for  his 
brother,  John  0.  Leftwich  and  Co.  This  was  about  the  year 
1817.  He  was  still  the  man  of  pleasure,  and  thoughtless  on  the 


428  JAMES  LEFTWICH. 

subject  of  religion,  though  having  the  confidence  of  his  friends 
and  the  public  generally  as  a  man  of  integrity. 

The  first  impression  which  seemed  to  be  made  on  his  mind  was 
under  the  preaching  of  Rev.  W.  Skidmore,  of  the  Methodist 
church,  at  a  camp-meeting  in  Franklin  County.  I  know  not  how 
long  he  was  religiously  impressed  before  he  obtained  a  hope. 
But  a  letter  which  was  written  to  his  father  about  this  time  gives 
the  first  intimation  on  the  subject. 

In  this  letter,  after  adverting  to  the  change  he  had  realized, 
and  some  painful  perplexities  of  mind  he  suffered,  he  writes: 
"  But  why  need  I  doubt,  when  I  look  at  the  blood  of  Jesus,  which 
is  sufficient  to  cleanse  ten  thousand  such  worlds  as  this  ?  If  I 
could  always  feel  as  a  few  days  ago,  when  I  was  with  Mr.  Witt,  I 
have  thought  I  should  never  want  anything  else  while  I  lived." 

The  brother  referred  to  above,  Rev.  Daniel  Witt,  thus  in  a 
letter  alludes  to  this  period :  "I  still  remember  the  fond  moments 
we  have  spent  together,  and  while  I  write  almost  imagine  myself 
in  Franklin,  at  that  happy  spot  where  you  first  felt  a  Saviour's 
pardoning  love,  which  place  I  shall  never  forget.  While  I  re- 
member the  days  that  are  past  I  am  ready  to  say,  Oh  that  it 
were  with  me  now  as  it  were  in  days  past !" 

We  discover,  by  a  letter  from  his  brother,  in  whose  business  he 
was  employed,  that  he  intended  to  leave  him,  for  the  purpose  of 
acquiring  an  education  that  would  better  qualify  him  to  engage 
in  the  ministry.  It  appears,  however,  that  he  must  have  been 
preaching  by  this  time,  as  his  diary,  commencing  April  30th,  1823, 
indicates. 

'  I  have  been  informed  that  when  he  made  known  his  intentions 
to  go  to  school,  his  father  advised  him  to  give  up  the  idea,  and 
settled  him  on  a  farm.  Here  he  lived  as  his  home,  and  having 
some  one  to  attend  to  his  business,  he  gave  his  time  almost  exclu- 
sively to  preaching.  Associating  himself  with  Brother  D.  Witt 
as  missionary  in  Western  Yirginia,  they  traveled  extensively,  and, 
we  have  reason  to  believe,  with  success. 

Though  they  had  little  success  in  collecting  funds,  the  preach- 
ing of  the  Word  was  attended  with  the  Divine  blessing.  We  can 
now  see  the  results  of  those  little  beginnings.  It  has  been  as  a 
grain  of  mustard-seed  spoken  of  in  the  Scripture. 


JAMES  LEFTWICH.  429 

We  thus  view  him  as  one  of  the  pioneers  in  the  home  mission 
work  of  Western  Virginia.  A  brother  informed  me  of  his  having 
spoken  very  feelingly  on  the  missionary  subject  at  an  association. 
When  he  looked  around  and  saw  the  churches  multiplying  in 
various  directions,  the  congregations  contributing  to  the  gospel 
BO  freely,  and  the  brother  so  indefatigably  pressing  its  claims,  the 
tears  rolled  down  his  cheeks,  and  he  pulled  out  the  last  five 
dollars  he  had  and  gave  it  to  him,  saying,  "This  is  all  I  have — 
take  it;"  which  he  said  in  such  an  affecting  manner  that  he  would 
never  forget  it. 

He  was  a  warm  friend  to  missions,  and  contributed  to  their 
promotion.  Had  he  been  more  regularly  sustained  by  his 
churches,  he  would  have  been  better  able  to  aid  various  objects 
he  loved  so  well.  But  his  means  from  these  sources  were  small. 
It  is  true,  he  had  some  property  by  which,  with  economy  and  good 
management,  he  was  enabled  to  lay  up  something  for  his  family 
and  the  education  of  his  children,  always  bearing  in  mind  the 
injunction,  "Owe  no  man  anything." 

He  was  successful  as  a  minister  in  winning  souls  to  Christ. 
That  his  manner  was  impressive  needed  no  other  proof  than  the 
success  that  attended  his  ministry.  One  of  the  most  striking  fea- 
tures of  his  sermons  was  the  power  of  his  reasoning.  His  manner 
was  so  plain  and  his  style  so  simple  that  a  child  could  under- 
stand him.  He  always  had  some  truth  to  enforce  in  his  own  way, 
carrying  conviction  to  every  mind.  He  was  considered  very  elo- 
quent by  many,  but  if  to  secure  the  title  of  an  eloquent  man  it 
requires  the  Bowers  of  rhetoric,  he  had  no  special  pretensions  to 
the  name.  He  aimed  at  the  power  of  impressing  truth  upon  the 
mind.  His  voice  was  strong,  but  soft  and  melodious.  It  was  not 
his  aim  to  gain  admiration,  but  to  win  souls.  He  sought  to  draw 
by  love,  rather  than  by  alarm,  into  obedience  to  the  gospel.  So 
much  affected  was  he  with  his  subject  that  he  seldom  failed  to 
affect  others.  This  was  particularly  true  in  the  later  part  of  his 
ministry :  in  speaking  of  heaven  and  its  anticipated  rewards,  we 
would  almost  forget  the  speaker,  and  think  only  of  being  there. 

Earnestly  did  he  contend  for  the  faith  once  delivered  to  the 
saints.  He  sought  not  controversy  in  the  pulpit,  yet  he  never" 
avoided  it  when  it  was  necessary,  but  was  ready  to  give  a  reason 


430  JAMES   LEFTWICH. 

for  his  faith  and  practice.  He  went  forth  as  a  champion  for  the 
cause  of  Christ;  and  was  the  first  one  who  was  rejected  as  a 
missionary  Baptist  in  an  anti-mission  association.  This  was  in 
Franklin  County,  I  think,  in  1832.  With  joy  he  lived  to  see  a 
great  change,  and  hoped  the  time  would  come  when  all  would  be 
convinced  of  the  impropriety  of  such  opposition. 

He  was  remarkable  for  decision  of  character  and  firmness  of 
purpose  in  the  discharge  of  all  his  duties.  All  knew  him  as  a 
kind  husband,  an  affectionate  parent,  a  gentle  and  humane  master, 
consistent  in  his  general  deportment,  a  warm-hearted  friend,  but 
most  of  all  as  a  faithful  minister  of  Jesus  Christ. 

Mr.  Leftwich  gloried  in  his  tribulations  for  Christ's  sake.  He 
often  said  it  was  the  happiest  time  of  his  life,  when,  over  the 
mountains,  with  Brother  D.  Witt,  he  traveled,  preaching  the 
gospel. 

After  his  missionary  service  he  labored  in  Franklin  and  Bedford 
Counties,  where  he  was  successful  in  his  labors,  many  being  added 
to  the  churches.  Yet  here  he  had  much  to  contend  with,  for 
some  who  felt  not  the  importance  of  missionary  operations  began 
to  oppose  him.  Being  firm  in  his  purpose,  sustained  as  he  was 
by  the  word  of  God,  he  contended  most  earnestly  for  the  mission- 
ary cause.  At  the  same  time  the  deepest  sympathy  was  felt  for 
those  whom  he  could  not  convince.  Although  a  division  of  the 
association  took  place,  yet  he  loved  and  prayed  for  those  brethren 
by  whom  he  was  opposed. 

Mr.  Leftwich  was  married,  January  15th,  1833,  to  Miss  Ann 
Bilbo,  of  Botetourt  County,  after  which  he  remained  six  months 
in  that  county,  with  his  mother-in-law.  Finding  it  difficult  to 
attend  to  his  churches  he  returned  to  Bedford,  where  he  remained 
till  1845.  He  then  removed  to  Botetourt  Springs,  where  he  acted 
as  steward  at  the  Union  Seminary,  and  preached  at  Big  Lick, 
still  supplying  his  churches  in  Bedford  County.  But  he  found  it 
very  difficult  to  act  as  pastor  of  so  many  churches,  and  therefore 
continued  in  this  position  only  a  short  time. 

On  June  17th,  1846,  he  returned  to  his  home  in  Bedford 
County.  We  both  sighed  for  the  society  to  which  we  had  so 
long  been  accustomed.  He  also  more  fully  felt  the  solemnity  of 


JAMES   LEFTWICH.  431 

n's  position  as  a  minister,  and  was  ready  to  say  with  Paul,  "Woe 
3  me  if  I  preach  not  the  gospel." 

In  addition  to  the  statements  thus  furnished  by  her  who  had 
hared  with  him  in  the  toils  and  cares  of  life,  the  following  refer- 
mce  to  his  character,  and  the  close  of  his  labors,  is  extracted 
rom  the  funeral  discourse  delivered  by  Rev.  J.  B.  Jeter : — 

"James  Leftwich  was  a  faithful  Christian.  With  him  religion 
\ras  not  an  inheritance,  a  profession,  or  an  impulse,  but  a  prin- 
Iple, — a  living,  abiding,  and  efficient  principle, — a  new,  Divine 
lature.  In  view  of  what  Christ  did  and  suffered  for  him,  had 
vrought  in  him,  and  had  promised  to  him,  he  felt  that  he  owed 
lim  all  that  he  was,  all  that  he  possessed,  and  all  that  he  could 
lo.  This  principle,  this  solemn  sense  of  obligation  to  Christ, 
mparted  consistency  to  his  life  and  beauty  to  his  character. 
Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?'  was  his  sincere,  constant, 
ind  anxious  inquiry.  In  every  relation  of  life  he  sought  to  do 
lis  duty,  and  his  whole  duty.  Everywhere,  and  under  all  circum- 
itances,  he  was  the  same  modest,  humble,  conscientious,  upright, 
ind  devout  man.  You  can  all  bear  testimony  to  the  purity  of  his 
notives,  the  amiableness  of  his  disposition,  and  the  integrity  of  his 
ieportment. 

"He  was  a,  faithful  minister  of  Christ.  Possessing  a  robust 
ind  vigorous  body,  and  endowed  with  a  sound  and  practical 
nind,  he  devoted  himself,  with  purpose  of  heart,  to  the  ministry 
)f  the  Word.  He  sought  not  his  own  pro6t,  but  the  salvation  of 
lis  hearers, — not  his  own  glory,  but  to  please  Christ.  That  he 
night  worthily  and  successfully  proclaim  the  gospel,  he  carefully 
•ead  and  studied  the  Scriptures,  and  such  books  as  might  aid  him 
n  understanding  and  expounding  them ;  and  earnestly  prayed  for 
;he  wisdom  which  is  from  above.  His  ministry  was  an  active, 
aborious,  self-denying  effort  to  save  souls  and  to  edify  the  body  of 
Christ.  He  might  confidently  have  said  to  yon,  as  Paul  said  to 
,he  Ephesian  elders,  '  I  take  you  to  record  this  day,  that  I  ain 
pure  from  the  blood  of  all  men.  For  I  have  not  shunned  to 
leclare  unto  you  all  the  counsel  of  God.' 

"  Nor  were  his  labors  to  promote  your  welfare  confined  to  the 
pulpit.  He  watched  for  souls  as  one  that  expected  to  give  ac- 
count. He  warned,  expostulated,  entreated,  employed  all  means, 


432  JAMES   LEPTWICII. 

that  some  might  be  saved.  He  might  again  have  adopted  the 
language  of  the  Apostle  to  the  saints  in  Corinth  :  'I  please  all 
men,  in  all  things,  not  seeking  mine  own  profit,  but  the  profit  of 
many,  that  they  might  be  saved.'  Many  of  you,  doubtless,  carry 
in  your  own  bosoms  the  consciousness  of  his  tender,  earnest  faith- 
fulness to  your  souls. 

"  He  was  faithful  unto  death.  His  obedience  to  Christ,  spring- 
ing from  a  vital  principle^  was  unintermitted  and  persevering. 
Having  girded  on  his  armor  for  the  spiritual  combat,  he  did  not 
put  it  off,  or  desire  to  do  so,  till  he  was  honorably  discharged  by 
the  captain  of  his  salvation.  The  last  year  of  his  life  found  him 
not  merely  steadfast  in  his  Christian  profession,  but  rapidly  grow- 
ing in  grace  and  ripening  for  his  eternal  fruition.  The  death  of 
a  darling  son,  and  the  conversion  of  his  oldest  child,  served,  by 
the  Divine  blessing,  to  augment  his  zeal  in  the  Redeemer's  cause, 
and  to  prepare  him  for  an  abundant  entrance  into  his  everlasting 
kingdom.  He  was  impressed  with  the  thought  that  he  should 
soon  follow  his  child  to  heaven,  which  was  rendered  more  attrac- 
tive and  inviting  to  him  by  the  residence  there  of  that  dear  child. 
The  last  hour  of  his  health  and  vigor  found  him  at  his  post,  in 
the  diligent  discharge  of  all  his  duties.  When  confined  by  the 
disease  which  proved  mortal,  his  distress  was,  not  that  his  secular 
interests  were  neglected,  but  that  his  congregations  were  disap- 
pointed. His  malady  did  not  assume  a  threatening  aspect  until 
a  short  time  before  his  death.  Finding  it  painful  to  speak,  he 
said  but  little  during  his  sickness ;  but  that  little  was  most 
consolatory  to  his  friends.  He  expressed  his  entire  resignation 
to  the  Divine  will.  Being  informed  he  should  never  rise  from 
his  sick  bed,  he  calmly  replied :  'If  it  be  the  Lord's  will,  so  be  it.' 
To  an  inquiring  brother,  he  said:  'Jesus  is  precious.'  If  his 
death  was  not  triumphant  and  glorious,  it  was,  what  should  not 
be  less  comforting  to  his  friends  or  less  encouraging  to  the  faith- 
ful servants  of  Christ,  calm,  peaceful,  and  resigned.  He  departed, 
confiding  in  the  Redeemer,  and  hoping  for  the  mercy  of  God,  unto 
eternal  life ;  uttering,  as  one  near  him  thought,  in  feeble  and  in- 
distinct tones,  the  touching  words, '  Good-by  !  good-by !  good-by  !' 
his  spirit  gently  passed  away  from  earthly  cares  and  griefs." 


PHILIP   MONTAGUE.  433 


PHILIP    MONTAGUE. 

THOSE  who  have  been  accustomed  to  attend  the  meetings  of  the 
General  Association  of  Virginia,  from  the  time  of  its  organiza- 
tion, will  not  fail  to  remember  the  form  and  manner  of  this  vene- 
rated servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  He  had  been  familiar  with 
many  of  the  fathers  in  the  ministry,  and  as  the  representative  of 
a  past  age,  he  received  more  than  a  respectful  notice  from  his 
brethren  who  began  life  long  after  his  entrance  into  the  ministry. 
Nor  was  it  merely  the  respect  due  to  seniority,  but  a  heartfelt 
esteem.  His  long-continued  and  constant  devotion  to  the  glory 
of  Christ,  his  perfect  freedom  from  all  that  was  artificial,  his  love 
of  the  truth  and  love  of  the  brethren,  all  served  to  give  him  a 
high  place  in  the  hearts  of  Virginia  Baptists. 

PHILIP  MONTAGUE  was  born  June  19,  1776,  in  the  County  of 
Middlesex.  His  parents  were  Episcopalians,  and  such  were  the 
influences  brought  to  bear  upon  his  mind  in  early  life,  that  all  his 
prepossessions  were  in  favor  of  that  body  of  professing  Christians. 
He  had  reached  his  twenty-eighth  year  before  he  heard  a  Baptist 
minister  preach.  This  first  sermon  was  the  means  of  his  awaking 
from  the  slumbers  of  formality  and  worldliness.  He  was  brought 
into  a  new  world  of  thought  and  feeling.  He  betook  himself  to 
the  study  of  God's  word,  and  as  his  knowledge  increased  in 
accordance  with  its  revelations  of  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin, 
he  was  overwhelmed  with  a  sense  of  shame  and  fear.  Nor  did  he 
find  relief  until,  in  the  cross  of  Jesus,  he  beheld  the  way  of  sal- 
vation. His  views  of  the  fitness  and  fullness  of  this  scheme  were 
such,  that  with  all  his  heart  he  committed  his  soul's  weighty 
interests  into  the  hands  of  the  Redeemer. 

He  was  now  led  to  the  inquiry  whether  his  old  associations 
were  to  be  continued.  The  Baptists  had  been  a  despised  and 
persecuted  people.  In  the  county  of  his  nativity  they  had  suf- 
fered various  rude  assaults.  Their  ministers  had  been  thrown 
into  prison,  and  treated  as  the  offscouring  of  the  earth.  But  the 
majesty  of  truth  was  more  controlling  with  our  brother  than  the 
fear  of  human  reproach.  It  was  his  solemn  purpose,  upon  the 

VOL.  IT. — 2  c  37 


434  PHILIP   MONTAGUE. 

exercise  of  faith  in  Christ,  to  be  governed  by  a  survey  of  those 
claims  which  the  New  Testament  might  urge.  He  thus  became  a 
Baptist. 

His  connection  with  the  church  occurred  on  the  14th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1 805,  when  he  was  baptized  into  the  likeness  of  his  Saviour's 
death  and  resurrection,  and  united  with  the  Glebe  Landing  Church. 
The  same  year  he  began  to  exhort  his  fellow-men,  and  with  the 
approval  of  the  church  soon  exercised  his  gift  as  a  licentiate. 
He  preached  his  first  sermon  at  Glebe  Lauding  Church.  A  career 
of  usefulness  was  now  commenced  which  continued  through  nearly 
half  a  century. 

Having  in  early  life  wrought  in  the  business  of  a  carpenter,  a 
firm  constitution  had  been  acquired,  and  such  habits  of  applica- 
tion as  prepared  him  for  the  laborious  prosecution  of  the  ministry 
he  had  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  It  is  the  glory  of  the  gospel 
system  that  it  provides  for  its  own  successful  proclamation  by 
various  grades  of  talent,  and  by  men  from  the  different  avocations 
of  life.  In  primitive  times,  those  accustomed  to  hardy  toil,  as 
well  as  schoolmen,  were  selected  as  the  propagators  of  the  truth. 
So  now,  God  calls  into  the  ministry  whomsoever  he  will,  and 
many  of  the  best,  most  successful  proclaimers  of  the  gospel  among 
the  Baptists  of  Virginia  have  been  the  sons  of  toil — mechanics, 
and  tillers  of  the  ground.  For  such  a  ministry  our  humble 
acknowledgments  are  due  to  him. 

The  ordination  of  Elder  Montague  occurred  in  1809.  The 
attending  presbytery  were  I.  Lewis,  James  Greenwood,  R.  B. 
Semple,  and  William  Todd.  He  now  gave  himself  wholly  to  the 
ministry.  In  1811,  when  the  failing  health  of  that  eminently 
useful  man,  James  Greenwood,  rendered  it  necessary  he  should 
give  up  the  pastorate  of  Piscataway  Church,  in  Essex  County, 
Elder  Montague  was  called  to  supply  his  place.  He  deemed  it 
his  duty  to  accept,  and,  the  better  to  fulfill  the  duties  of  his  posi- 
tion, removed  to  Essex  County.  He  continued  in  that  relation  to 
the  end  of  life,  a  period  of  forty-one  years.  Such  instances  are 
rare.  Well  would  it  be  for  our  churches  if  they  were  more 
frequent. 

For  some  time  also  he  preached  and  administered  the  ordi- 
nances for  the  Upper  Essex  Church,  though  he  was  never  their 


PHILIP   MONTAGUE.  435 

pastor.  In  connection  with  his  labors  as  pastor  of  Piscataway 
Church,  he  was  earnestly  entreated,  in  the  year  1821,  to  take 
charge  of  Hanover  Church,  King  George  County.  He  remarked 
concerning  this  call :  "  I  made  it  the  subject  of  prayer,  and  al- 
though the  distance  was  nearly  forty  miles,  yet  the  impression  of 
duty  was  so  great  that  I  could  not  reject  the  invitation."  None 
can  doubt,  that  in  the  acceptance  of  this  call  he  was  fulfilling  the 
will  of  God.  The  seals  to  his  ministry  in  the  Hanover  Church 
were  most  abundant.  For  twenty-seven  years,  with  never-failing 
fidelity,  he  fulfilled  his  appointments  with  this  church,  though  it 
was  necessary  to  cross  the  Rappahannock  River  and  to  ride  a 
distance  of  forty  miles.  He  was  permitted  to  baptize  into  the 
fellowship  of  that  church  alone  more  than  one  thousand  persons ! 

In  the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  was  induced  to  take  charge  of 
Glebe  Landing  Church.  It  must  have  been  peculiarly  grateful  to 
his  feelings  to  close  his  days  as  pastor  of  the  people  among  whom 
he  was  converted  and  baptized,  and  where  he  first  be*gan  to  preach 
the  gospel.  It  is  an  interesting  fact,  too,  that  his  last  sermon  was 
delivered  at  this  place. 

It  will  be  important  to  mention,  that  Elder  Montague  for  some 
time  acted  as  a  missionary  of  the  Richmond  Foreign  and  Domestic 
Missionary  Society,  laboring  for  them  in  the  State  of  Maryland. 
The  labor  thus  performed  was  attended  with  encouraging  success, 
and  the  Board  would  have  gladly  continued  the  appointment,  but 
the  distance  of  the  field,  and  other  pressing  claims,  made  it 
necessary  to  resign.  In  the  brief  service  rendered,  he  proved 
himself  to  be  a  man  of  the  true  missionary  spirit.  It  would  have 
been  to  him  no  unwelcome  task  to  go  even  to  heathen  lands,  had 
the  providence  of  God  indicated  this  to  be  the  line  of  duty.  The 
great  cause  of  missions,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  was  dear  to 
his  heart.  Many  can  testify  how  ardently  he  prayed  for  the  uni- 
versal reign  of  Christ. 

How  much  was  accomplished  by  this  servant  of  God,  it  is  not 
easy  to  say.  In  the  course  of  his  ministry  he  baptized  2821  per- 
sons. Thousands  of  the  saints  were  comforted  and  increased  in 
usefulness  by  his  earnest  and  well-timed  ministrations.  The  influ- 
ence of  Elder  Montague  was  extended  and  happy.  This  was  the 
result  of  character  rather  than  talent.  His  order  of  intellect  was 


436  PHILIP  MONTAGUE. 

not  above  mediocrity,  and  his  attainments  in  learning  were  scanty. 
The  style  of  his  preaching  was  plain  and  simple.  He  attempted 
no  flights  of  oratory,  and  pretended  to  nothing  more  than  an 
exhibition  of  Christ  and  him  crucified.  He  read  the  Scriptures 
much,  and  from  these  ample  stores  of  spiritual  knowledge  he 
obtained  his  topics  of  discussion,  arguments,  and  illustrations. 
Far  inferior  to  many  others  in  popular  address,  he  was  surpassed 
by  few  in  his  hold  upon  the  affections  of  the  people,  and  his  power 
over  them  for  good.  This  was  acknowledged  by  all. 

One  of  the  sources  of  his  influence,  and  perhaps  the  chief,  was 
found  in  his  eminent  piety.  He  was  a  good  man,  and  full  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  He  held  daily  intercourse  with  God.  For  several 
years  of  his  life  he  fasted  one  day  in  each  week,  and  abandoned 
this  practice  only  when  his  physician  decided  that  a  persistence  in 
the  habit  would  impair  his  health  and  usefulness.  The  sovereignty 
of  God  was  with  him  a  cherished  doctrine,  and  he  yielded  to  the 
Divine  behest  with  delight.  God  was  with  him,  and  whatsoever 
he  did  prospered.  Being  a  man  of  much  prayer,  he  relied  with 
the  simplicity  of  a  little  child  on  the  promises  of  God,  and  those 
promises  were  fulfilled  in  his  ministry.  Can  we  wonder  that  his 
usefulness  was  great  ? 

His  unspotted  character  also,  in  all  his  intercourse  with  men, 
constituted  one  of  the  reasons  of  success  in  the  ministry.  His 
hearers  believed  him  to  be  a  true  man,  because  they  saw  the  evi- 
dence in  his  daily  demeanor.  All  business  engagements  were 
sacredly  fulfilled.  In  all  the  relations  of  life  he  behaved  like  a 
man  of  God.  The  lustre  thus  given  to  the  Christian  profession 
rendered  it  in  the  eyes  of  beholders  a  reality  and  a  blessing.  His 
good  works  attested  the  genuineness  of  his  piety,  and  the  words 
spoken  from  the  pulpit,  in  meekness  of  wisdom,  were  no  unmean- 
ing things.  They  were  heard  with  respect,  and  God  accompanied 
them  with  his  blessing. 

Another  element  of  his  success  was  indomitable  energy.  He 
was  not  easily  discouraged.  Undaunted  by  obstacles,  he  pursued 
the  path  of  duty,  surmounting  them  all.  Through  summer's 
heat  and  winter's  cold  he  pressed  on  in  meeting  all  his  appoint- 
ments. Whoever  else  failed,  Philip  Montague  never  failed.  The 
fact  already  mentioned,  that  for  twenty-seven  years  he  fulfilled 


PHILIP   MONTAGUE.  437 

regularly  his  engagement  with  a  church  forty  miles  distant,  even 
though  a  wide  and  difficult  stream  must  be  crossed,  speaks  for 
itself.  His  long  and  frequent  journeys  to  Maryland  evidence  his 
earnestness  and  industry.  He  first  took  his  seat  in  the  Dover 
Association  in  1805,  and  was  actually  present  at  every  successive 
meeting,  excepting  one,  until  the  formation  of  the  Rappahannock 
Association,  and  then  continued  to  attend  the  meetings  of  that 
body  to  the  close  of  life,  making  forty-six  out  of  forty-seven 
annual  convocations  at  which  he  was  present ;  the  meetings,  too, 
being  held  at  a  period  of  the  year  when,  in  the  lower  country, 
disease  is  most  prevalent.  He  was  invariably  present  at  the 
meetings  of  the  General  Association  and  the  Virginia  Baptist 
Foreign  Missionary  Society,  and  of  the  last-named  Society  he 
was  for  many  years  the  presiding  officer.  Thus,  like  the  devoted 
Semple,  he  exhibited  a  remarkable  persistence  of  character,  en- 
suring success,  where  men  of  superior  mental  endowments  would 
utterly  fail. 

Elder  Montague  was  an  amiable  man  in  disposition  and  manner. 
The  law  of  kindness  dwelt  upon  his  lips  and  in  his  heart.  He 
loved  good  men,  and  delighted  in  their  society.  No  one  was  less 
under  the  influence  of  envy  and  jealousy.  In  his  unbroken  attend- 
ance upon  the  Virginia  anniversaries,  for  a  succession  of  years, 
he  seemed  to  rejoice  in  the  rapid  improvement  of  the  rising 
ministry,  never  seeming  to  complain  if  he  were  excelled  in  the 
measure  of  his  attainments,  or  his  popularity  as  a  speaker.  In 
the  artless  simplicity  of  his  character  he  was  a  model.  We  wonder 
not  that  he  was  loved  and  honored  by  his  brethren,  and  useful  in 
his  generation. 

We  now  approach  the  period  of  his  departure  from  the  world. 
He  was  seriously  ill  on  the  first  day  of  the  year  1852.  From  this 
time  until  his  death  he  suffered  much.  For  sixty- nine  days  his 
naturally  strong  constitution  struggled  with  disease,  but  all  in 
vain.  Alluding  to  this,  his  son,  Rev.  Howard  W.  Montague, 
thus  remarks : — 

"  He  was  taken  with  bilious  colic ;  physicians  were  called  in, 
who  succeeded,  after  considerable  effort  on  their  part,  in  relieving 
of  violent  pain  ;  but  the  shock  which  the  system  received  caused 
the  disease  to  change  its  character  into  what  is  called  the  typhoid 

37* 


438  SCERVANT  JONES. 

or  slow  fever,  which  continued  baffling  the  skill  of  the  physicians 
and  wearing  out  the  powers  of  nature,  until  he  fell  a  victim  to  its 
ravages.  As  it  regards  the  state  of  his  mind  during  his  illness, 
calmness  and  perfect  resignation  to  the  will  of  God  characterized 
it.  He  could  not  be  persuaded,  from  the  first  day  of  his  sickness, 
but  that  the  disease  would  terminate  his  mortal  existence.  I 
believe  there  existed,  so  far  as  he  himself  was  concerned,  no  desire 
to  recover.  He  felt  a  concern  in  this  respect  for  others ;  noticing 
the  great  anxiety  manifested  by  a  member  of  the  family  for  his 
recovery,  he  said :  '  The  idea  of  death  is  painful  to  me  only  be- 
cause I  see  how  anxious  that  darling  child  is  that  I  should  live.' 
His  own  wishes  on  the  subject  were  manifest  from  the  following 
expressions :  '  Oh,  would  it  but  please  the  Lord  to  take  me  to 
himself;  to  get  thus  far  on  my  journey  and  return,  how  painful !' 
On  another  occasion,  when  much  more  unwell,  he  remarked,  'I 
hope  my  car  is  now  getting  ready,'  and  even  when  death  had 
dimmed  his  vision  and  rendered  his  hearing  indistinct,  he  desired 
to  be  raised  in  bed,  and,  folding  his  hands,  sung  in  a  feeble  and 
tremulous  voice  two  verses,  and  offered  a  fervent  prayer  to 
Almighty  God.  But  had  he  not  given  these  evidences  in  his  last 
illness,  his  Christian  life  would  have  justified  the  belief  that  he 
was  a  child  of  God.  I  suppose  it  may  be  said  of  him,  that  he 
was  a  faithful  and  devoted  servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus.  He  was 
proverbial  for  his  punctuality.  He  served  his  generation  well, 
and  is  now  resting  from  all  his  labors." 


SCERVANT    JONES. 

SCERVANT  JONES  was  born  in  April,  1785,  in  Warwick  County, 
Virginia.  Of  his  early  life  little  is  known,  except  that  he  entered 
on  the  study  of  law,  which  he  afterwards  practiced  in  James  City 
County.  He  also  represented  that  county  in  the  State  Legisla- 
ture. The  church  he  first  joined  is  not  known,  nor  the  time  and 
circumstances  of  his  conversion.  He  did  not  commence  preach- 
ing until  considerably  advanced  in  life. 


SCERVANT  JONES.  439 

An  intimate  friend,  who  knew  him  well,  gives  the  following 
recollections  of  his  ministry:  "He  had  charge  of  the  Baptist 
church  in  Williarasburg  for  several  years  before  he  went  there 
to  live.  He  was  then  residing  at  his  farm,  called  King's  Creek, 
about  seven  miles  from  Williamsburg.  He  had  also  charge,  for 
many  years,  of  a  Baptist  congregation,  which  met  at  an  old 
church  (formerly  Episcopal)  in  York  County,  called  Kiskiak 
Church,  vulgarly  called  'Cheesecake.'  Both  of  these  charges  he 
continued  to  his  death.  A  year  or  two  before  this  event  he  set 
on  foot  the  design  of  erecting  a  house  of  worship  for  the  Baptists 
in  Williamsburg,  they  having  for  many  years  used  for  that  pur- 
pose, by  permission  of  the  town  authorities,  a  well-known  ante- 
revolutionary  public  building,  devoted  originally  to  the  purposes 
of  a  powder  magazine,  which  was  too  small  for  the  convenient 
assembling  of  those  who  came  to  worship.  Mr.  Jones's  purpose, 
in  consequence  of  his  failing  health,  was  not  consummated  until 
after  his  death.  He  had  succeeded,  by  zealous  efforts,  in  collect- 
ing several  hundred  dollars  in  Williamsburg  and  elsewhere  for 
this  object,  and  went  so  far  as  to  have  the  corner-stone  laid. 

"  Mr.  Jones  was  a  man  of  singularly  acute  and  active  mind, 
and  of  unsurpassed  energy  of  character.  He  was,  moreover, 
possessed  of  the  spirit  of  genuine  hospitality,  and  of  great 
practical  benevolence,  as  the  poor  of  his  neighborhood  can 
testify." 

The  editor  of  the  Religious  Herald,  in  a  notice  of  his  death, 
says:  "Though  his  labors  were  mostly  in  Williamsburg,  he  did 
not  confine  them  to  this  place,  but  supplied  neighboring  churches 
during  the  wintry  season  which  followed  from  the  divisions  and 
rendings  of  churches,  occasioned  by  the  introduction  of  the  views 
of  the  reformer. 

"  In  the  peninsula  below  York  and  James  Rivers,  from  Wil- 
liamsburg to  Hampton,  he  has  done  good  service  to  the  Baptist 
cause,  and  will  be  held  in  affectionate  remembrance.  He  was  an 
acceptable  preacher  and  laborious  minister.  Possessing  for  many 
years  a  good  share  of  worldly  wealth,  he  had  a  favorable  oppor- 
tunity of  exhibiting  his  generous  hospitality  and  liberal  feelings. 
He  boarded,  gratuitously,  young  men,  members  of  the  Baptist 
church,  and  having  the  ministry  in  view,  while  availing  themselves 


440  JORDAN   MARTIN. 

of  the  course  at  William  and  Mary  College.  In  1833  the  Dover 
Association  was  held,  at  his  instance,  in  Williamsburg,  and  the 
church  having  then  but  a  few  members,  a  large  part  of  the  ex- 
pense was  cheerfully  borne  by  him.  With  some  eccentricities, 
he  was  a  faithful  minister,  a  devoted  Christian,  and  a  worthy 
citizen." 

A  tribute  of  respect  was  offered  by  the  church  of  which  he  was 
so  long  pastor.  We  close  this  sketch  with  the  resolutions  adopted 
by  them. 

"1.  Resolved,  That  we  deeply  lament  the  loss  of  our  much- 
loved  pastor,  who  so  long  '  went  in  and  out  before  us,'  breaking 
to  us  'the  bread  of  life.'  Yet  we  mourn  not  as  those  without 
hope,  for  his  life  was  a  life  of  usefulness  to  the  church  here  and 
elsewhere.  He  was  permitted  to  live  to  a  good  old  age,  being  in 
his  seventieth  year  when  he  died.  It  may  be  truly  said  of  him, 
he  has  finished  his  course,  he  has  kept  the  faith,  and  henceforth 
there  remaineth  for  him  a  crown  of  eternal  life ;  and  his  works 
follow  him. 

"  2.  Resolved,  That  we  highly  appreciate  the  generosity  of 
heart  which  induced  Brother  Jones  to  officiate  for  us  as  pastor  so 
long,  free  of  charge  to  the  church  and  congregation." 

This  devoted  servant  of  Christ  died  April  25th,  1854,  aged 
seventy. 


JORDAN    MARTIN. 

THE  following  truthful  record  has  been  furnished  by  a  member 
of  the  family  of  this  father  in  Israel.  With  some  variations,  it  is 
furnished  as  written. 

ELDER  JORDAN  MARTIN  was  born  July  10th,  1777.  He  was 
the  son  of  William  and  Jane  Martin,  of  Chesterfield  County. 
He  was  from  tender  years  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  being 
renewed  by  grace,  but  remained  a  transgressor,  giving  a  loose 
reign  to  his  passions  until  the  year  1799.  In  that  year,  during 
the  wonderful  revival  which  prevailed  in  the  Counties  of  Chester- 


JORDAN   MARTIN.  441 

field  and  Powhatan,  he  was  brought  thoroughly  to  change  his 
course,  and  to  recognize  his  standing  with  God  as  safe  only  by  a 
penitent  faith  in  Jesus  Christ.  This  occurred  the  12th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1799.  Thus,  by  God's  sovereign  grace,  he  was  made  an 
hen  of  heaven,  and  on  the  fifteenth  of  said  month  he  was  baptized 
by  Elder  Benjamin  Watkins,  with  many  others.  Early  in  the  year 
1800  he  removed  to  the  County  of  Amelia,  and  commenced  hold- 
ing religious  meetings  and  exhorting  his  fellow-men. 

In  June,  1809,  he  was  married  to  Martha  J.  Bass,  of  Chester- 
field County,  where  he  permanently  settled  and  labored  faithfully 
until  his  death.  Elder  Martin  was  received  by  letter  into  Tom- 
mahawk  Church,  May,  1817,  and  installed  as  pastor  June  7th, 
1818.  In  this  relation  he  remained  until  January  31st,  1846,  at 
which  time  he  resigned,  leaving  only  one  member  who  was  con- 
nected with  the  church  when  he  became  pastor.  He  was  also 
pastor  of  Spring  Creek  Church,  but  the  record  being  lost,  it  can- 
not be  said  for  what  length  of  time.  He  also  raised  up  a  flourish- 
ing church  at  the  Coal  Pits,  which  was  constituted  February  8th, 
1846,  with  six  white  and  fifty-four  colored  members,  from  Spring 
Creek  Church.  Four  deacons  were  then  elected,  three  of  whom 
are  still  living  They  commenced  their  assemblies  in  a  plain  log 
house. 

Elder  Martin  remained  their  pastor  until  his  death.  One  of 
the  deacons  of  that  church  remarked  recently,  that  "  his  pastor's 
last  sermon  at  that  church,  addressed  to  Christians,  was  the  most 
impressive  he  ever  heard."  These  colored  members,  for  whose 
welfare  he  so  faithfully  labored,  were  very  much  attached  to  him. 
In  his  last  illness  he  was  anxious  that  they  should  go  to  his  house, 
and  sing  and  pray  for  him  before  he  died.  Often  has  he  been 
heard  to  say,  if  he  should  be  so  happy  as  to  reach  heaven  he  was 
assured  of  meeting  some  of  those  brethren  with  whom  he  labored 
so  pleasantly  at  the  Midlothian  Church.  Before  he  died,  he  said 
to  a  brother  who  was  standing  by,  and  who  had  often  aided  him 
at  that  church,  "  Do  try  and  be  with  them  at  their  meetings,  and 
see  that  all  necessary  things  are  done  for  their  spiritual  benefit. 
God  will  bless  you."  His  name  is  often  called  by  them  with  fond 
affection,  remembering  his  advice,  quoting,  as  he  very  often  had 
done,  the  Apostle  John's  language  to  the  church,  "  Little  children 


442  JORDAN  MARTIN. 

love  one  another."  He  was  in  this  church  greatly  useful  as  a 
peace-maker.  Thus,  though  dead,  he  yet  speaketh.  In  eternity, 
without  doubt,  many  will  rise  up  to  call  him  blessed. 

He  baptized  and  married  more  than  any  other  minister  in  the 
surrounding  country.  No  weather  ever  prevented  him  from 
attending  his  calls  in  different  directions.  He  seemed  to  feel 
deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of  continued  activity,  and 
often  spoke  of  time  coming  to  an  end,  the  closing  up  of  all 
opportunities  of  doing  good  to  the  world. 

In  his  life  he  exemplified  that  Christian  rectitude  of  character 
which  caused  his  light  to  shine  with  resplendent  lustre.  He  was 
an  acceptable  minister,  preaching  with  all  fidelity  for  more  than 
forty  years.  He  seemed  constantly  and  zealously  intent  on  per- 
suading men  to  forsake  their  sins  and  yield  to  that  Saviour  whom 
he  endeavored  with  such  assiduity  to  serve.  Nor  did  he  confine 
his  warning  voice  and  pure  example  to  the  pulpit.  In  his  daily 
intercourse  with  his  fellow-men  he  ceased  not  to  warn  them  to 
flee  the  wrath  to  come  and  embrace  the  Saviour.  No  man  was 
more  universally  beloved.  None  were  more  desirous  of  acting 
justly,  loving  mercy,  and  walking  humbly  with  God. 

He  was,  emphatically,  a  faithful  minister  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
knowing  that  he  was  answerable  to  God  for  the  truths  which  he 
preached  and  the  manner  in  which  he  persuaded  men  to  turn  from 
sin's  destructive  way.  For  many  years  to  come  will  his  example 
be  felt  in  those  neighborhoods  where  his  voice  of  persuasion  from, 
and  his  denunciation  of,  sin  has  been  heard.  He  ever  kept  promi- 
nently before  his  eyes  the  importance  of  the  work  to  which  he 
had  been  called,  and  seemed  determined  that  in  the  last  day  those 
who  attended  upon  his  ministry  should  have  no  excuse 

His  labors  as  a  minister  were  confined  almost  exclusively  to  the 
County  of  Chesterfield,  in  which  he  had  a  multitude  of  ardent 
and  most  enthusiastic  friends.  So  circumspect  was  he  in  his 
intercourse  with  the  world,  that  no  man  could  be  his  enemy 
Those  who  are  left  behind,  and  who  must  shortly  follow  him, 
have  reason,  from  the  testimony  he  bore,  to  take  warning  and  flee 
the  wrath  to  come. 

It  is  heart-cheering  to  those  whom  he  has  left  behind,  and  par- 
ticularly to  his  seven  children,  to  know  that  he  who  so  often 


JORDAN   MARTIN.  443 

directed  them  in  the  paths  of  religion  and  virtue  in  his  last 
admonition  expressed  a  special  solicitude  for  them,  thus  evincing 
that  as  he  lived  so  he  died.  He  proved  that  their  best  interest 
was  intwined  around  his  heart.  He  called  them  to  witness  that 
he  was  triumphant  over  the  last  great  enemy,  and  that  such  tri- 
umph was  owing  entirely  to  the  merits  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  in  whom 
he  trusted.  He  attested  that  in  patience  he  possessed  his  soul, 
and  that  having  fought  a  long,  protracted  warfare  in  his  Master's 
service,  he  was  at  last  victorious  and  would  receive  as  his  reward 
an  unfading  crown  of  righteousness.  May  they,  like  him,  devote 
their  best  energies  to  the  promotion  of  the  cause  of  their  Master. 
It  had  been  Elder  Martin's  ambition  to  occupy  the  most  desti- 
tute portions  of  the  Lord's  vineyard.  In  the  latter  part  of  his 
life  he  was  particularly  anxious  to  visit  destitute  churches  in  other 
counties  than  his  own,  but  was  prevented  by  affliction  and  the 
cares  of  a  large  family.  About  eleven  months  previous  to  his 
death  he  was  deprived  of  his  bosom  companion,  and  ever  after- 
wards appeared  to  be  contented  and  happy  only  when  he  was 
going  about  doing  good.  He  had  said,  the  day  his  wife  was 
interred,  that  before  twelve  months  passed  away  he  should  be  laid 
by  her  side  in  the  silent  tomb.  Having  heard,  about  six  weeks 
previous  to  his  death,  that  his  services  were  solicited  at  Dover 
Church,  Goochland  County,  he  very  soon  sent  an  appointment ; 
"For,"  said  he,  "I  may  do  some  good.  I  hear  that  many  sin- 
ners live  in  that  vicinity."  The  Lord  saw  fit  to  pour  out  his 
spirit  upon  that  people,  and  many,  it  is  hoped,  were  converted  to 
God.  He  labored  day  and  night  for  eight  or  ten  days,  until  he 
was  taken  sick.  A  physician  advised  him  to  be  more  careful  with 
himself,  not  riding  home  ten  miles  after  preaching  twice  a  day. 
But  he  could  not  be  restrained  in  the  good  cause.  After  he 
became  too  unwell  to  attend  the  meeting,  his  children  endeavored 
to  persuade  him  to  stay  at  home ;  but  he  said,  "  No  ;  I  cannot 
feel  satisfied  ;"  and  continued  to  attend  as  long  as  he  was  able. 
His  exposure  at  that  meeting  was  the  cause  of  his  death,  but  he 
would  go,  desiring  to  work  while  it  was  day.  As  no  other  minis- 
ter was  there,  he  felt  it  his  duty  and  pleasure  to  attend.  When- 
ever other  ministers  were  present  at  a  religious  meeting,  he  was 
retiring,  sometimes  going  to  a  remote  part  of  the  house,  saying, 


444  C.  B.  JENNETT. 

"  He  had  rather  hear  than  be  heard."    Still,  he  was  ever  ready  to 
labor  for  his  Master  when  it  seemed  to  be  needful. 

Elder  Martin  was  of  a  very  lively,  cheerful  disposition,  often 
saying,  "Of  all  people,  Christians  ought  to  be  most  cheerful  and 
happy."  His  children  very  much  regret  that  some  of  his  manu- 
scripts have  been  misplaced.  It  would  have  been  interesting  to 
ascertain  the  number  of  sermons  preached  by  him  during  his  long 
ministry.  But  his  record  is  on  high,  and  he  now  enjoys  the 
reward  of  a  faithful  servant. 


C.  B.  JENNETT.* 

BROTHER  JENNETT  was  born  at  Oakland,  Halifax  County,  Vir- 
ginia, in  1823.  Blest  with  pious  parents,  his  mind  seems  to  have 
been  deeply  exercised  upon  religious  themes  in  extreme  youth. 
He  has  frequently  been  heard  to  say,  that  so  early  as  his  eighth 
year,  he  felt  concerned  on  the  important  subject  of  his  soul's  sal- 
vation. Even  in  the  days  of  his  childhood,  his  conscientiousness, 
his  strict  adherence  to  the  truth,  and  extreme  gentleness  of  man- 
ner, greatly  endeared  him  to  all  who  knew  him.  His  mother,  a 
woman  of  uncommon  spirituality,  says  that  she  has  never  known 
him  to  use  a  wicked  or  improper  word,  nor  on  any  occasion  seen 
his  countenance  disturbed  by  anger. 

When  he  had  about  completed  his  fourteenth  year,  and  while 
at  Halifax  Academy,  he  made  a  public  profession  of  his  faith  in 
the  Son  of  God.  Though  his  exercises  were  doubtless  pungent 
and  genuine,  he  was  not  able  to  refer  to  any  particular  hour  as 
the  precise  time  at  which  the  great  change  occurred.  He  could 
say,  "Whereas  I  was  blind,  now  I  see  ;"  and  though  he  could  not 
specify  the  time,  the  place,  or  the  circumstances,  his  whole  subse- 
quent life  gave  evidence  of  the  genuineness  of  his  conversion.  It 
is  probable  that  he  was  the  subject  of  renewing  grace  for  several 
years  before  his  baptism,  and  that  at  the  period  mentioned  he 
was  led  by  Divine  Providence  to  profess  what  had  long  before 

*  By  Rev.  William  T.  Brantly. 


C.  B.  JENNETT.  445 

been  experienced.  God's  Spirit  strives  with  children,  and  not 
unfrequently  brings  them  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  at  an  age  so 
tender,  that  we  think  it  hardly  practicable  for  them  to  have  any 
clear  and  rational  views  of  divine  things.  That  this  was  probably 
the  case  with  our  departed  brother,  would  appear  from  the  testi- 
mony of  a  judicious  friend,  who  was  intimately  acquainted  with 
him  in  his  boyhood.  "He  was  early  distinguished,"  says  this 
friend,  "for  ardent  piety,  zeal,  and  promise;  his  active  mind 
sought  employment  for  doing  good ;  he  was  anxious  to  be  about 
his  Master's  business." 

Three  years  after  connecting  himself  with  the  church,  his 
brethren  discovering  in  him  what  they  believed  to  be  extraordi- 
nary spirituality,  as  well  as  uncommon  gifts,  invited  him  to 
accept  a  license  to  preach  the  gospel.  The  invitation,  according 
with  his  own  views  of  duty,  was  complied  with ;  and  he  preached 
his  first  sermon  when  he  was  but  seventeen  years  of  age.  Having 
determined  to  devote  himself  to  the  ministry,  and  having  mas- 
tered at  the  academy  of  his  native  county  the  studies  requisite  to 
his  admission  to  a  higher  seminary  of  learning,  with  a  view  to 
better  preparation  for  his  work,  he  entered  Richmond  College. 
Here  he  remained  two  years,  availing  himself  of  the  vacations  to 
proclaim  the  gospel  to  destitute  churches.  At  the  expiration  of 
two  years,  he  removed  from  Richmond,  and  connected  himself 
with  the  Columbian  College,  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  Here 
he  continued  his  studies  two  years  longer,  graduating  with  dis- 
tinction at  the  close  of  this  period. 

Returning  home,  he  was  immediately  ordained  and  invited  to 
the  charge  of  several  churches  in  Halifax  and  Mecklenburg  Coun- 
ties, having  just  completed  his  twenty-first  year.  At  this  period 
his  ministry  was  marked  by  that  success  of  which  his  zeal  and 
talents  had  already  given  promise.  Crowds  attended  the  "Word 
dispensed  by  him,  and  hung  with  interest  upon  the  glowing  elo- 
quence of  the  youthful  ambassador  of  Jesus.  The  churches  were 
edified ;  and  it  was  his  happiness  to  point  not  a  few  inquirers  to 
the  Lamb  of  God. 

An  intelligent  gentleman,  a  member  of  another  denomination, 
after  listening  to  one  of  the  fervent  appeals  of  our  brother  at  this 
period,  remarked  to  a  gentleman  from  whom  I  received  the  obser- 

VOL.  ii.  38 


446  C.  B.  JENNETT. 

vation:  "Mr.  Jennett  is  not  appreciated  by  your  church ;  were  he 
connected  with  our  church,  he  would  soon  be  known  as  one  of  the 
most  brilliant  men  in  Virginia." 

After  continuing  his  country  charges  for  about  two  years,  his 
health  was  seriously  impaired  by  a  severe  attack  of  congestive 
fever.  His  physicians  advised  him  to  seek  a  residence  in  a  more 
southern  latitude.  While  meditating  such  a  removal,  he  was 
invited  to  visit  the  Market  Street  Baptist  Church,  in  Petersburg, 
then  destitute  of  a  pastor.  Having  supplied  the  pulpit  for  a  few 
weeks,  he  was  unanimously  called  to  the  pastoral  care  of  the 
church.  Such  an  invitation  being  tendered,  it  appeared  to  him 
to  be  the  will  of  God  that  he  should  dismiss  the  idea  of  visiting 
the  South,  and  that  he  should  settle  in  Petersburg.  He  had  en- 
tered upon  his  duties  but  a  short  time,  when  a  religious  awaken- 
ing occurred  which  resulted  in  the  hopeful  conversion  and  baptism 
of  about  fifty  persons.  Succeeding  this  revival,  there  were  gradual 
accessions  to  the  church  for  about  two  years,  when  another  out- 
pouring of  the  Spirit  commenced,  during  which  a  much  larger 
number  of  precious  souls  were  brought  (as  we  trust)  into  the  king- 
dom of  Christ.  Brother  Jennett's  ministry  in  Petersburg  was 
eminently  successful.  More  than  a  hundred  persons  were  added 
to  the  church  by  baptism.  These,  with  additions  from  other 
sources,  increased  its  numerical  strength  one-third  more  than 
when  he  entered  upon  his  labors.  There  was  a  proportionate 
increase  in  the  congregation ;  and  in  respect  of  all  that  con- 
tributes to  the  real  efficiency  of  a  church,  a  position  was  attained 
superior  to  anything  which  had  been  known  in  its  previous  his- 
tory. Many  in  Petersburg,  who  are  at  this  day  adorning  the 
doctrine  of  God  their  Saviour,  remember  him  as  the  minister  who 
(under  God)  first  awakened  serious  emotions,  and  then  directed 
them  to  the  sinner's  only  refuge.  After  nearly  three  years  of  un- 
intermitted  labor  in  Petersburg,  he  considered  it  to  be  his  duty  to 
relinquish  the  care  of  the  church.  Retiring  from  this  charge,  he 
was  invited  to  supply  the  pulpit  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  in 
Richmond,  Virginia,  for  a  few  months. 

While  laboring  in  Richmond,  a  proposition  was  made  to  him, 
in  October,  1849,  to  visit  the  Baptist  Church  in  Augusta,  Georgia. 
Anxious  to  carry  out  a  long-cherished  wish  of  his  heart,  to  learn 


C.  B.  JENNETT.  447 

something  of  the  South,  he  complied  at  once  with  the  invitation. 
The  result  was,  that  after  preaching  for  several  Sabbaths,  he  was 
called  unanimously  to  the  pastoral  care  of  the  church. 

Of  his  history  since  this  period  it  is  not  necessary  that  I  should 
say  much.  It  need  not  be  told  how  earnestly  he  exhorted  the 
impenitent  in  Christ's  stead  to  be  reconciled  to  God ;  how  fer- 
vently he  prayed  in  public  and  in  private  that  saints  might  grow 
in  grace  and  continually  progress  in  all  holy  knowledge ;  how  he 
labored  in  the  Sabbath-school  and  in  the  prayer-meeting,  and 
from  house  to  house;  how  he  was  rejoiced  when  there  were 
manifestations  of  the  Divine  presence,  and  how  he  was  depressed 
and  distressed  when  no  such  blessing  was  apparent ;  and  how, 
even  when  disease  was  enfeebling  and  wasting  his  body,  he  toiled 
on,  repelling  the  remonstrances  of  friends,  forgetting  his  weak- 
ness in  his  absorbing  desire  to  make  full  proof  of  his  ministry. 

Whatever  the  opinion  which  may  have  been  entertained  of  his 
talents  or  qualifications,  whatever  the  measure  of  success  which 
may  have  been  granted  to  him,  there  are  many  witnesses  who  can 
testify  that  he  was  a  laborious,  self-denying,  devoted  pastor. 

In  speaking  of  the  closing  scenes  in  the  life  of  our  departed 
brother,  I  avail  myself  of  information  supplied  by  the  pious  and 
gifted  lady  who  is  most  deeply  bereaved  by  that  Providence  which 
has  deprived  the  church  of  a  zealous  and  faithful  minister.  To  her 
I  am  indebted  for  many  of  the  incidents  already  mentioned ;  and 
I  conceive  that  I  cannot  possibly  conclude  more  appropriately  than 
by  repeating,  nearly  in  her  own  language,  the  affecting  narrative 
which  she  has  communicated : — 

"Early  in  May  he  took  cold,  which  was  increased  by  bathing 
too  early  in  the  season.  His  cough  was  beginning  to  be  trouble- 
some when  I  left  Georgia,  iu  June.  Often  (my  fears  being  excited 
on  the  subject)  I  would  urge  him  to  seek  medical  aid ;  he  would 
say,  'Don't  make  yourself  unhappy;  I  am  not  predisposed  to 
consumption — never  had  a  serious  cough  in  my  life  before.'  I 
would  expostulate  with  him  on  his  imprudent  labors;  he  would 
say,  '  I  am  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  in  the  cause  of  my  Re- 
deemer. I  would  rather  wear  out  than  rust  out.  I  do  not  desire 
a  long  life — only  a  useful  one.  I  want  to  make  haste  to  finish 
my  work,  and  go  home.'  He  was  very  unwell  before  coming  to 


448  C.  B.  JENNETT. 

Virginia,  in  July.  On  his  arrival,  I  was  shocked  to  observe  that 
the  cough,  so  far  from  having  left  him,  had  increased  in  violence, 
while  his  health  was  evidently  declining.  Death  was  often  the 
subject  of  his  conversation  :  it  seemed  a  pleasant  theme  to  him — 
he  loved  to  dwell  on  it.  From  the  frequency  with  which  he  intro- 
duced the  subject,  I  was  induced  to  remark,  '  It  does  not  appear 
to  be  as  solemn  a  thought  to  you  as  to  me.'  He  replied,  'The 
grave  has  no  terrors  for  me.'  He  always  spoke  of  death  as  going 
home — going  to  rest.  He  would  dwell  on  the  joys  of  heaven 
until  his  eye  would  kindle  and  his  countenance  become  almost 
radiant,  and  he  would  exclaim,  'Could  I  take  you  with  me,  I 
would  desire  to  go  now.1 

"He  had  a  severe  attack  in  August,  from  which  he  had  not 
recovered  when  he  insisted  on  visiting  his  parents,  observing, 
'If  I  do  not  go  now,  I  shall  see  them  no  more  in  the  flesh.'  As 
he  was  extremely  feeble,  I  objected,  at  first,  to  his  undertaking 
the  journey.  Hoping,  however,  that  the  sight  of  the  loved  ones 
at  home,  and  the  fresh  country  air,  might  promote  his  recovery,  I 
finally  consented  to  the  arrangement.  His  first  letter  mentioned 
that  he  was  declining;  in  the  next  he  spoke  of  improving  slowly, 
and  of  precious  seasons  he  had  enjoyed  in  his  Saviour's  presence, 
of  his  willingness  to  live  and  to  suffer,  if  it  were  God's  will,  but 
his  desire  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ,  which  was  far  better. 

"  On  Sabbath,  the  twenty-first  of  September,  he  attempted  to 
make  some  remarks  at  the  grave  of  a  youthful  relative :  his  voice 
failed — a  chill  ensued.  His  parents  wrote  me,  that  his  visit  to 
them  having  been  accomplished,  he  became  impatient  to  return 
to  me;  they  tried  to  detain  him,  but  no  persuasion  could  induce 
him  to  remain  longer.  On  his  arrival,  so  shocked  was  I  at  the 
sad  change  which  a  short  time  had  made  in  his  appearance,  that 
I  could  not  refrain  from  giving  vent  to  my  feelings  in  a  burst  of 
tears.  He  checked  me  by  saying,  'If  it  is  God's  will,  I  shall 
recover;  but  if  it  be  his  will  to  take  me  to  himself,  are  you  not 
willing  to  submit  cheerfully  to  the  dispensation  ?'  He  had  often 
said  to  me  before,  'It  is  a  cheerful  resignation  which  is  pleasing 
to  God,  not  a  forced  submission,  because  he  is  mighty  and  we 
cannot  contend  with  him.' 

"Even  while  ill,  his  desire  was  to  return  to  his  loved  charge, 


C.  B.  JENNETT.  449 

remarking,  that  perhaps  he  might  do  some  good  in  visiting,  if  he 
could  not  preach.  It  required  the  earnest  expostulation  of  his 
physician  and  friends,  to  prevent  his  undertaking  the  journey.  He 
finally  consented  that  I  should  write  to  the  church  and  request 
their  further  indulgence.  After  that  his  mind  seemed  to  be  at 
ease  with  regard  to  the  subject.  He  appeared  to  be  patiently 
awaiting  the  Divine  summons;  said,  'there  was  one  tie  to  be 
dissolved,  all  else  had  been  relinquished.'  On  Friday  the  fever 
subsided,  the  cough  became  less  troublesome,  his  breathing  less 
labored,  though  he  complained  during  the  night  of  a  feeling  of 
suffocation.  On  remarking  that  I  was  much  affected  during  my 
usual  devotions,  he  called  me  to  his  bedside,  and  said,  'For 
what  have  you  been  praying?'  I  replied,  'For  your  recovery.' 
He  looked  at  me  tenderly,  but  reproachfully,  and  said,  '  Not  for 
submission  to  the  Divine  will  ?' 

"  Saturday  afternoon  the  physician  pronounced  him  decidedly 
better.  We  entertained  great  hopes  of  his  recovery,  but  on  every 
expression  of  such  hope  he  insisted  that  he  was  no  better.  Having 
left  the  room  for  a  few  minutes,  he  remarked,  with  perfect  com- 
posure of  voice  and  countenance,  to  a  friend  who  watched  during 
my  absence,  I  am  almost  gone ;  last  night  death,  like  an  elec- 
tric shock,  passed  through  my  whole  system.'  His  friend  re- 
marked, 'I  hope  you  felt  the* presence  of  God.'  'Oh  yes,'  he 
replied :  '  I  am  happy ;  before,  I  had  begun  to  be  impatient  of 
suffering ;  but  then,  I  was  made  willing  to  live  and  suffer,  to  go  to 
Augusta,  or  to  die — God's  will  is  mine.' 

"At  night  he  requested  me  to  hand  him  a  Bible,  saying  that 
he  wished  to  read,  for  himself,  the  last  chapter  of  Revelation.  He 
seemed  to  derive  much  comfort  from  the  first  seven  verses  of  this 
chapter.  As  he  had  slept  but  little  for  a  week — none  the  night 
before — I  urged  him  to  make  an  effort  to  get  some  repose.  To 
this  he  replied,  '  I  shall  sleep  no  more  on  earth ;  I  am  going  to 
sleep  in  the  arms  of  my  Saviour.'  A  few  minutes  after  he  was 
heard  saying,  '  God  is  my  refuge  and  strength,  therefore  I  will  not 
fear,  though  the  earth  be  removed,  and  though  the  mountains  be 
carried  into  the  midst  of  the  sea.' 

"During  the  night   his  mind  wandered,  but  was  constantly 

VOL.  ii.— 2  D  38  * 


450  C.  B.  JENNETT. 

recurring  to  eternal  things.  He  remarked  to  me,  at  one  time, 
'  I  have  been  thinking  of  several  subjects  for  a  sermon,  but  I  can- 
not concentrate  my  attention.'  On  Sabbath  morning,  after  a 
sleepless  night,  he  was  greatly  changed  for  the  worse.  His 
breathing  had  become  so  laborious  that  he  was  bathed  in  a  pro- 
fuse, clammy  perspiration.  A  few  minutes  before  two  o'clock  he 
placed  his  arms,  almost  stiff  in  death,  around  me,  called  me  by  a 
familiar  name,  and  never  spoke  again. 

"'Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  upright,  for  the  end 
of  that  man  is  peace.'  Almost  the  last  thing  upon  which  his  eye 
rested,  ere  it  became  glazed  by  the  61m  of  dissolution,  was  the 
inspired  description  of  the  world  of  glory.  In  that  moment,  I 
doubt  not  that  he  had  God's  Spirit  bearing  its  testimony  with  his 
spirit  that  he  would  soon  be  transferred  to  that  blissful  abode, 
and  he  was  anxious  to  read  from  the  book  of  Revelation  some 
account  of  those  exalted  scenes  into  which  he  felt  that  he  was 
about  to  be  ushered." 

No  one  could  have  been  acquainted' with  Brother  Jennett  with- 
out being  struck  with  the  peculiar  gentleness  of  his  character. 
There  was  about  him  a  lamb-like  spirit,  which  se'emed  incapable 
of  offering  injury  to  the  most  insignificant  creature.  Personally,  I 
can  scarcely  conceive  how  it  is  possible  for  such  a  man  to  have  had 
an  enemy.  So  amiable  in  his  deportment,  so  considerate  of  the 
feelings  of  others,  so  modest  and  unassuming,  so  entirely  cour- 
teous in  his  demeanor  to  every  one,  that  to  know  him  was  to  love 
him. 

As  a  minister,  the  success  which  he  enjoyed,  the  important 
posts  to  which  he  was  invited,  are  evidences  that  he  was  a  man 
of  superior  gifts.  Endowed  with  an  agreeable  personal  appear- 
ance, a  strong  sonorous  voice,  a  fluent  delivery,  and  an  active 
imagination,  he  possessed  several  of  the  elements  of  an  orator. 
In  his  mind  there  was  a  predominance  of  the  imaginative  over 
the  argumentative,  and  his  sermons  may  at  times  have  been  more 
remarkable  for  pleasant  excursions  of  the  fancy  than  for  the  sober 
deductions  of  solid  reasoning.  Occasionally,  perhaps,  he  was 
betrayed,  by  his  taste  for  the  ornamental,  into  such  a  profusion  of 
metaphors  as  to  impair  the  energy  of  his  thoughts.  But  an  exu- 
berant fancy  is  often  regarded  as  a  favorable  indication  in  the 


TRAVERSE   D.  HERNDON.  451 

youthful.     Time,  ordinarily,  chastens  and  directs  it,  and  then  it 
becomes  a  gift  invaluable  indeed. 

But  he  is  gone.     He  rests  from  his  toils.     His  Master  has 
called  him  home,  to  be  perfectly  pure  and  happy  forever. 


TRAVERSE    D.  HERNDON. 

AMONG  the  many  excellent  men  in  the  Baptist  ministry  of  Vir- 
ginia, few,  if  any,  more  lovely  spirits  have  been  found  than  TRA- 
VERSE D.  HERNDON.  Concentrated  in  his  character  were  those 
attributes  which  commanded  respect  and  secured  the  warmest 
affection.  He  was  amiable  by  nature,  but  grace  brought  out  in 
bolder  relief  the  peculiarities  of  his  mind  and  heart.  It  was  the 
pleasure  of  the  compiler  of  this  sketch  to  know  him,  and  rarely 
has  he  seen  one  who  seemed  to  promise  a  larger  usefulness.  Now 
he  has  left  us  for  his  home  above,  it  is  pleasant  to  contemplate 
his  brief  history  as  a  Christian  minister.  We  avail  ourselves  of 
the  faithful  delineation  drawn  by  Rev.  William  F.  Broaddns  and 
others. 

Mr.  Broaddns  thus  speaks  of  him :  "I  am  relieved  from  all  em- 
barrassment in  speaking  of  our  beloved  Herndon.  I  have  known 
him  from  his  youth.  Trained  by  a  father  who  feared  the  Lord, 
and  taught  his  children,  by  example  as  well  as  precept,  that  'a 
Christian  is  the  highest  style  of  man,'  he  had  early  in  life  been 
more  or  less  impressed  with  the  importance  of  being  himself  a 
Christian.  It  was  not,  however,  until  he  reached  the  age  of 
eighteen  that  he  was  effectually  won  from  that  love  of  sin  which 
belongs  to  all  our  race,  and  made  willing  to  bow  his  neck  to  the 
yoke  of  Jesus.  So  far  as  I  am  informed,  there  were  no  facts  im- 
mediately connected  with  his  conversion  beyond  what  is  common 
to  the  conversion  of  young  men  similarly  associated.  He  joined 
the  church  at  Long  Branch,  of  which  I  was  then  pastor.  I  well 
remember,  while  the  details  of  his  religious  experience  have  passed 
away  from  me,  that  I  was  struck  with  the  utter  distrust  which  he 
had  of  himself,  and  the  firm  confidence  he  expressed  in  the  salva- 


• 
452  TRAVERSE    D.  HERNDON. 

tion  revealed  in  the  gospel.  I  have  not  deemed  it  necessary  to 
inquire  of  his  family,  how,  when,  where  he  was  converted.  It  is 
with  the  consequences  of  a  man's  conversion  that  we  are  most 
concerned.  Many  are  converted  by  a  process  which  furnishes  no 
clue  as  to  date,  or  place,  or  manner — and  no  material  for  a  nar- 
rative. Who  can  discern,  by  watching  the  process,  the  precise 
line  between  the  different  seasons  ?  Who  can  fix  upon  the  pre- 
cise moment  of  daybreak  ?  So  it  is  with  conversion.  So  gradu- 
ally is  it  often  accomplished,  especially  in  such  as  have  been 
familiar  with  enlightened  views  of  the  Christian  religion  from 
their  childhood,  that  many,  very  many  of  the  best  Christians,  can 
scarcely  go  further  than  to  say,  '  One  thing  I  know,  whereas  I 
was  blind,  now  I  see.'  And  this  is  quite  enough.  'By  their 
fruits  ye  shall  know  them.' 

"Traverse  D.  Herndon  was  born  March  llth,  1810.  He  was 
one  of  twenty  children,  whom  God  had  committed  to  the  charge 
of  that  excellent  man  of  God,  Elder  John  C.  Herndon,  long  a 
resident  of  Fauquier  County,  near  Long  Branch  Baptist  Church, 
in  which  he  was  for  many  years  a  deacon,  and  at  the  request  of 
which  he  was,  when  more  than  fifty  years  of  age,  ordained  to  the 
gospel  ministry.  With  so  large  a  family,  and  with  limited  pecu- 
niary resources,  the  elder  Herndon  managed,  by  occasionally 
teaching  a  school  composed  mainly  of  his  own  children,  to  give 
to  them  all  an  amount  of  elementary  instruction  in  letters  quite 
in  advance  of  many  of  ampler  means ;  and  in  the  mean  time  in- 
spired them  with  a  taste  for  knowledge,  which,  in  the  case  of  Tra- 
verse at  least,  led  in  after-life  to  exertions  which  but  few  have 
the  courage  to  make — to  extend  the  boundaries  of  his  acquaintance 
with  the  world  of  letters.  It  was  not,  however,  until  he  had 
chosen  the  Lord  for  his  portion,  and  determined  to  employ  what- 
ever talents  he  had  in  preaching  the  gospel  to  a  perishing  world, 
that  the  desire  to  enjoy  the  advantages  of  extended  literary  cul- 
tivation became  strong  enough  to  nerve  him  for  grappling  with 
the  difficulties  that  lay  in  his  way.  Soon  after  his  baptism  he 
began  to  exhort  in  the  prayer-meetings,  and  his  pastor  (aided  by 
the  ever-watchful  eye  of  that  man  of  God  whose  only  child  lives 
to  weep  over  the  loss  of  both  a  father  and  a  husband  in  one  short 
year)  discovered  that  he  had  talents  which  promised  much  nse- 


TRAVERSE   D.  HERNDON.  453 

fulness  to  the  cause  of  Christ.  His  diffidence,  however,  somewhat 
delayed  his  fully  entering  into  the  work  of  the  ministry;  so  that 
although  it  had  frequently  been  proposed  to  him  to  be  ordained 
to  this  work,  he  never  consented  until  the  year  1838;  and  in  De- 
cember of  that  year  he  was  regularly  set  apart  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  Meanwhile,  however,  he  had  spent  five  years  in  Colum- 
bian College,  where  he  graduated  in  the  year  1838,  and  was  num- 
bered with  that  constellation  of  shining  lights  which  reflect  so 
great  honor  on  that  venerable  though  much-neglected  institution. 
And  never  did  collegiate  advantages  find  a  subject  more  capable 
of  profiting  by  them,  while,  at  the  same  time,  he  escaped  all  the 
evil  tendencies  which,  alas !  in  too  many  instances,  are  justly  com- 
plained of,  as  exhibited  in  the  character  and  movements  of  those 
who  are  favored  with  such  opportunities. 

"  Very  soon  after  entering  regularly  into  the  work  of  the  minis- 
try, our  dear  brother  was  for  a  season  interrupted  in  his  work, 
and  unable  to  preach,  by  reason  of  spinal  affection.  His  friends 
had  great  apprehensions  then  that  his  race  would  be  a  short  one ; 
and  many  and  anxious  were  the  prayers  that  went  up  to  the  Divine 
throne  that  his  life  might  be  preserved  and  his  health  restored. 
These  prayers  were  answered;  and  when  he  recovered  sufficient 
health  and  strength  again  to  enter  the  field  of  labor,  he  seemed  to 
be  inspired  with  new  ardor  for  the  blessed  work  of  winning  souls 
to  Christ;  and  from  that  time  until  four  weeks  before  his  death, 
although 'never  favored  with  physical  strength  equal  to  that  of 
his  youth,  his  labors  were  abundant  and  arduous.  Preaching  to 
several  churches,  many  miles  from  his  home,  he  encountered  sum- 
mer suns  and  winter  storms,  which  might  well  be  expected  to 
shatter  a  constitution  far  more  vigorous  than  his.  But  he  toiled 
on,  satisfied  that  whatever  labors  he  might  perform,  whatever 
hardships  he  might  endure,  he  would  reap  an  abundant  recom- 
pense in  the  'better  land.'  Nor  were  his  labors  in  vain.  More 
than  three  hundred  were  'buried  with  Christ  in  baptism'  by  his 
hands ;  while  the  thousands  who  listened  with  heartfelt  pleasure 
to  his  affectionate  pleadings,  during  frequent  preaching  tours 
from  home,  protracted  meetings  in  other  churches,  and  camp- 
meetings,  will  furnish  no  doubt  a  host  that  will  astonish  himself 
when  he  shall  meet  with  them  in  heaven,  who,  through  his 


454  TRAVERSE   D.  HERNDON. 

labors,  were  brought  to  Jesus,  and  blessed  with  the  hope  of 
eternal  life." 

Thus  far  we  quote  from  the  discourse  of  Mr.  Broaddus.  It 
will  be  appropriate  to  refer  particularly  to  the  churches  he  served. 
This  is  done  in  the  language  of  one  who  well  knew,  and  who 
could  best  appreciate  the  extent  of  his  labors.  In  this  reference 
is  included  his  connection  with  the  college. 

"  He  was  a  short  time  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  with 
a  relation  in  Alexandria,  but  being  convinced  that  it  was  his  duty 
to  labor  in  his  Master's  cause,  and  being  deficient  in  means,  he 
borrowed  money,  which  was  returned  two  or  three  years  after 
he  commenced  preaching,  and  entered  the  Columbian  College 
for  the  purpose  of  preparing  for  the  ministry.  In  1838  he 
graduated,  having  spent  five  years  at  college.  November  1st, 
1838,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Louisa  H.  Love,  at  Gotland,  her 
father's  residence,  and  was  ordained  December  twenty-fourth  of 
the  same  year.  Soon  after,  he  was  engaged  by  the  Salem  Union 
Association  as  a  missionary.  At  the  same  time  he  had  charge  of 
Falmouth  Church. 

"  Having  a  delicate  constitution,  and  the  labors  he  had  under- 
taken being  very  severe,  he  was  compelled  to  give  up  these  posi- 
tions, it  being  twelve  or  eighteen  months  before  he  was  again  able 
to  preach.  But  the  Lord  restored  him  to  health,  after  which  he 
took  charge  of  four  churches — Liberty,  Mount  Holly,  and  Fiery 
Run,  in  Fauquier  County,  and  Front  Royal,  in  Warren  County. 

"  These  churches  he  served  for  several  years,  and  his  labors 
were  much  blessed,  particularly  at  Mount  Holly  and  Liberty ;  but 
they  being  some  distance  from  his  home,  he  gave  them  up,  and 
took  charge  of  Middleburg,  Long  Branch,  and  Ketocton  For 
these  he  labored  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  strongly 
attached  to  his  churches.  On  his  dying  bed  he  sent  frequent  mes- 
sages, expressing  deep  concern  for  their  welfare,  and  the  con- 
sciousness of  fidelity  in  the  fulfillment  of  his  trust." 

We  now  resume  the  reference  of  Mr.  Broaddus  to  his  talents, 
character,  and  closing  hours : — 

"  Brother  Herndon's  ability  as  a  preacher  was  of  no  ordinary 
grade.  He  occupied  a  high  position  among  the  Baptist  ministeis 
of  Virginia,  while  those  who  frequently  heard  him  regarded  him 


TRAVERSE   D.  HERNDON.  455 

as  making  constant  and  decided  improvement.  His  topics  for  the 
pulpit  were  chosen  rather  with  reference  to  practical  results  than 
to  the  establishment  of  any  favorite  philosophy  of  religion. 
Deeply  impressed  himself  with  a  consciousness  of  his  utter  moral 
helplessness,  he  sought  to  show  to  sinners  their  lo«t  and  helpless 
state ;  and  having  himself  proved  both  the  ability  and  willingness 
of  Jesus  to  save  those  that  trust  in  him,  he  affectionately  urged  all 
to  come  without  delay  to  the  Cross,  where  shelter  is  provided  from 
the  wrath  so  justly  due  to  all.  At  the  same  time,  he  had  a  clear 
and  comprehensive  view  of  the  whole  system  of  religion  taught  in 
the  word  of  God,  and  on  suitable  occasions  he  was  able  and  will- 
ing to  defend  the  great  truths  of  the  Bible,  either  against  the  open 
attacks  of  infidels,  or  the  no  less  injurious  efforts  of  such  religion- 
ists as  seek  to  maintain  erroneous  views  of  the  methods  of  Divine 
grace  by  misinterpreting  the  Scriptures.  Avoiding  alike  the 
frigid  speculations  of  such  as  can  find  nothing  in  the  Bible  but 
decrees,  and  the  wild  philosophy  of  those  who,  in  their  zeal  to 
preserve  the  free  agency  of  man,  almost  forget  that  God  has  any 
control  whatever  of  the  business  of  salvation,  he  preached  and 
taught  'Divine  Sovereignty'  as  perfectly  consistent  with  'human 
agency' — fixed  all  the  blame  of  losing  the  soul  on  man  himself, 
and  gave  all  the  glory  of  saving  it  to  the  grace  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus.  For  mere  controversy  he  had  no  taste,  preferring,  when 
it  could  be  done,  to  dwell  in  the  pulpit  on  subjects  in  regard  to 
which  Christian  men  and  women  of  every  name  are  substantially 
agreed. 

"It  would  be  difficult  to  find  a  man  whose  deportment  in  pri- 
vate life  would  furnish  stronger  claims  to  our  regard  than  that  of 
our  deceased  brother.  Some  professors  of  religion  have  a  piety 
deformed  and  defective.  Apprehending  that  to  be  serious,  one 
must  be  morose ;  to  be  faithful,  one  must  be  rude ;  to  show  that 
he  is  dead  to  the  world,  one  must  always  be  ready  to  say  to  others, 
'  Stand  aloof,  I  am  holier  than  thou,'  they  make  themselves  more 
and  more  unlovely.  But  far  from  this  was  the  spirit  which  ruled 
in  our  brother's  heart  and  dictated  his  whole  deportment.  He 
seemed  habitually  mindful  of  the  Apostle's  declaration,  that 
'whatsoever  things  are  lovely  and  of  good  report  must  abound 
in  us,  if  we  would  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour.'  Pos- 


456  TRAVERSE   D.  HERNDON. 

sessing  naturally  a  gentle  and  obliging  disposition,  and  this  being 
sanctified  by  Divine  grace,  the  result  was  all  that  cheerfulness  of 
mind,  readiness  of  intercourse,  and  delight  in  the  well-being  of 
others,  which  so  attached  him  to  all  who  knew  him.  In  short, 
his  natural  qualities,  controlled  as  they  were  by  a  constant  sense 
of  the  obligations  upon  him  as  a  Christian,  made  him,  in  the  esti- 
mation of  all  who  knew  him  well  enough  to  appreciate  his  per- 
sonal worth,  most  emphatically  a  Christian  gentleman. 

"Benevolence,  a  virtue  far  more  admired  in  this  world  than 
exercised,  was  a  prominent  feature  in  our  brother's  character. 
'  To  do  good  and  to  communicate'  was  the  motto  of  his  Christian 
life ;  and  faithfully  did  he  conform  to  it.  '  His  life  was  a  stream 
of  kindness,  flowing  from  a  generous  heart.'  Among  the  last  acts 
of  his  life  was  the  consummation  of  an  act  of  benevolence  which 
for  months  before  he  had  been  laboring  to  effect.  Bound  by  no 
legal  obligation  to  carry  out  the  wishes  of  his  lamented  father-in- 
law,  who  only  one  year  ago  exchanged  earth  for  heaven,  and  who 
left  the  matter  referred  to  wholly  to  his  option,  he  cheerfully 
undertook  the  work  while  in  health,  though  at  a  pecuniary  sacri- 
fice of  thousands  of  dollars,  amounting  to  much  more  than  half 
his  worldly  goods;  and  completing  the  work  very  shortly  before 
his  death,  he  expressed  great  pleasure  in  having  accomplished  it. 
Those  familiar  with  all  the  facts  of  the  case  alluded  to  must 
regard  his  whole  course  as  manifesting  a  degree  of  disinte- 
restedness very  rarely  met  with,  even  in  the  best  specimens  of 
humanity. 

"  Although  our  lamented  brother  was  a  man  of  marked  decision 
of  character,  I  have  met  with  few  men  more  diffident  and  humble. 
As  has  been  already  intimated,  it  was  with  trembling  that  he 
united  with  the  church  of  Christ,  lest  he  should  prove  an  unworthy 
member.  And  although  he  grew  stronger  in  all  the  graces  of 
faith,  hope,  love,  courage,  brotherly-kindness,  etc.,  his  humility 
fully  kept  pace  with  the  rest,  and  to  the  very  last  was  perhaps  his 
most  striking  characteristic.  I  enjoyed  for  years  the  privilege 
of  occasional  correspondence  with  him,  and  while  his  letters 
always  breathed  a  spirit  of  deep  and  heartfelt  piety,  he  rarely 
alluded  to  himself  without  expressing  an  utter  want  of  confidence 
in  himself,  either  as  to  his  talents  or  his  personal  merits;  and 


TRAVERSE    D.  HERNDON.  457 

evidently  regarded  himself  as  a  poor,  unprofitable  servant,  in- 
debted solely  to  the  grace  of  God  for  all  that  he  was  or  hoped  to 
be  in  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  I  might  go  further — indeed,  I  am 
strongly  inclined  to  go  further ;  for  '  out  of  the  abundance  of  the 
heart  the  mouth  speaketh.'  If  you  would  test  the  qualities  of 
Traverse  D.  Herndon,  go  among  the  people  to  whom  he  minis- 
tered in  the  things  of  the  gospel,  and  you  will  find  that  the  bare 
mention  of  his  name  revives  the  recollections  of  gifts  and  quali- 
ties, and  qualifications  for  the  station  he  filled,  so  vivid  as  effectu- 
ally to  conceal  any  blemishes  which,  in  common  with  all  men,  he 
may  have  had.  I  have  not  stated,  I  shall  not  state,  that  he  was 
faultless.  Were  he  here  present,  he  would  reprove  such  a  state- 
ment. But  this  I  can  say,  in  all  honesty,  that  after  an  acquaint- 
ance with  him  of  nearly  thirty  years,  and  for  many  years  an 
intimate  acquaintance,  such  was  his  entire  deportment,  both  as  a 
man  and  a  Christian,  that  if  he  had  faults,  my  admiration  of  the 
characteristics  uniformly  exhibited  in  his  life  and  conversation  so 
occupied  me,  that  those  faults  entirely  escaped  my  observation. 
Nor  have  I  heard  such  faults  alleged  by  others.  Indeed,  I  sup- 
pose there  lives  not  within  the  circle  of  his  whole  acquaintance  a 
human  being  who  has  ever  thought  him  guilty  of  any  departure 
from  that  course  of  Christian  uprightness  attained  to  by  the  most 
distinguished  of  God's  people  during  their  continuance  in  the 
flesh. 

"  It  is  time,  however,  that  I  should  speak  of  the  closing  scenes 
of  that  life  which  had  been  thus  consecrated  to  God  and  to  his 
cause.  About  the  middle  of  August,  the  disease  made  the  attack 
by  which  this  strong  man  in  our  Israel  was  cut  down.  From  the 
commencement  the  symptoms  were  such  as  to  induce,  among  those 
who  witnessed  the  progress  of  the  disease,  great  apprehensions  of 
a  fatal  result.  His  sufferings  were  intense,  but  as  might  have  been 
expected,  they  were  borne  with  calmness  and  Christian  dignity ; 
and  when  his  physician,  in  answer  to  a  direct  question  asked  by 
himself,  intimated  that  he  must  soon  sink  into  death's  embraces, 
he  manifested  no  alarm,  but  addressed  himself  at  once  to  making 
such  arrangements  as  were  necessary  in  regard  to  his  worldly 
goods,  and  having  completed  these  arrangements  to  his  own  satis- 
faction, he  peacefully  awaited  the  end." 

VOL.  n.  39 


458  TRAVERSE   D.  HERNDON. 

Thus  we  find  this  dearly  beloved  brother  ready  for  his  dismissal. 
His  last  sermon,  preached  at  Middleburg,  from  the  text,  "  Ho 
that  goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall  doubt- 
less come  again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves  with  him," 
was  expressive  of  confidence  in  God  that  his  labors  would  not  be 
in  vain.  When  near  his  end,  seeing  his  wife  much  distressed,  he 
said,  "  Grieve  not  for  me."  Just  four  weeks  from  his  confinement, 
on  the  beautiful  Lord's  day,  September  10, 1854,  he  entered  upon 
the  "Saint's  everlasting  rest." 

One  of  his  brethren  thus  alludes  to  him :  "  I  have  known  him 
intimately  for  twenty  years,  and  knew  him  only  to  love  him.  I 
have  tried  for  many  years  to  avoid  favoritism  or  partiality,  but 
if  I  had  a  favorite  in  the  ministry,  it  was  Brother  T.  D.  Hern- 
don.  He  was  a  plain,  practical  preacher,  and  had  been  instru- 
mental in  doing  much  good.  He  was  humble,  unassuming,  affec- 
tionate, and,  like  Paul,  he  became  all  things  to  all  men,  that  he 
might  by  all  means  save  some.  If  he  had  a  real  enemy,  I  did  not 
know  it.  He  has  gone.  Yes,  he  has  closed  his  labors  on  earth, 
and  has  gone  to  receive  his  crown  of  glory  at  the  right  hand  of 
God.  We  often  wonder  why  such  a  man  should  die ;  but  the 
Lord,  who  orders  all  things  according  to  the  councils  of  his  own 
will,  knows  what  is  best,  and  we  must  submit.  He  is  now  among 
the  angelic  host,  singing  the  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb,  and 
awaiting  the  arrival  of  other  pilgrims  who  are  now  journeying  to 
that  happy  land  where  all  is  peace  and  joy  for  evermore." 

We  close  our  sketch  by  touching  reminiscences  from  the  pen 
of  L.  P.  B.,  an  endeared  Christian  brother:  "The  intelligence  of 
the  demise  of  the  Rev.  Traverse  D.  Herndon  produced  in  the 
heart  emotions  of  grief  and  sadness.  All  the  day  long,  I  have 
felt  like  stepping  aside  from  the  crowded  thoroughfare  of  life, 
loosening  for  awhile  my  hold  upon  its  cares  and  its  interests,  and 
indulging  in  reflections  something  like  those  Marat  speaks  of, 
when  be  says,  '  My  choicest  pleasures  have  been  found  in  medi- 
tation ;  in  those  fearful  moments  when  the  mind  contemplates 
with  admiration  the  spectacle  of  the  heavens,  or  when  it  seems  to 
listen  in  silence,  and  weigh  in  the  balance  the  real  felicity  of  the 
vanity  of  human  grandeur,  pierce  the  sombre  future,  inquire  the 


TRAVERSE    D.  HERNDON.  459 

fate  of  man  beyond  the  tomb,  and  consider,  with  restless  cariosity, 
eternal  destiny.' 

"It  has  been  more  than  twenty  years  ago  since  I  first  met 
Brother  Herndon.  It  was  in  Alexandria,  where  he,  like  myself, 
had  gone  in  early  life  to  better  his  worldly  condition  and  pros- 
pects. His  was  the  occupation  of  an  auctioneer's  clerk ;  mine 
the  same.  He,  like  myself,  without  fortune  or  ancestral  influence, 
felt  the  necessity  of  cultivating  habits  of  industry  and  economy, 
consequently  was  seldom  seen  but  at  the  post  of  duty.  With 
distinctness  I  remember  the  first  time  I  ever  saw  him — it  was  in 
the  Baptist  meeting  in  Alexandria,  when  the  Rev.  Samuel  Cor- 
nelius was  pastor  of  the  church.  In  those  days  it  was  customary 
for  some  lay  brother  to  line  the  hymn  for  the  pastor.  That  duty 
was  assigned  to  Herndon,  who  was  at  the  time  a  member  of  the 
church.  With  memory's  eye  I  can  now  see  him — when  he  un- 
affectedly arose  and  gave  out  the  hymn : — 

'"Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds 

Our  hearts  in  mutual  love; 
The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 
Is  like  to  that  above.' 

"  I  had  lived  in  the  city  but  a  short  time,  and  the  appearance 
of  a  city  congregation  was  to  me  stiff  and  formal.  The  worship 
was  unlike  anything  I  had  been  accustomed  to.  Christians 
seemed  cold  and  heartless;  and  having  lived  among  those  who 
knew  him  to  be  warm  and  earnest  in  their  fellowship,  I  naturally 
craved  the  sight  of  one  who  would  remind  me  of  those  with  whom 
I  had  lived  and  worshiped.  When  Brother  Herndon  arose  and 
stood  before  the  congregation,  his  manly  form,  his  large  black 
eye,  his  frank  and  benevolent  countenance,  his  earnest  manner, 
his  full  and  distinct  voice,  together  with  the  general  appearance 
of  an  earnest  Christian  man,  impressed  me  deeply;  and  in  my 
heart  I  said,  'there  is  a  Christian,  who  lives  to  commend  the  re- 
ligion of  the  despised  Jesus,  and  not  that  of  a  formal,  fashion- 
able worship,  which,  I  grieve  to  say,  too  often  characterizes  the 
religionists  of  the  present  day.' 

"  The  unfriendly  circumstances  which  led  me,  when  but  a  boy, 
to  sunder  the  ties  that  bound  me  to  the  parental  roof,  ever  pro- 


460  TRAVERSE    D.  IIERNDON. 

duced  feelings  of  melancholy  and  sadness, — the  more  so,  when  I 
reflected  that  I  was  in  the  midst  of  strangers,  and  could  look  upon 
no  one  who  cared  for  my  soul.  In  this  state  of  mind  I  naturally 
desired  the  friendship  and  companionship  of  at  least  one  congenial 
Christian  heart.  When  I  saw  Herndon,  I  felt  that  I  had  found  the 
man,  and  with  feelings  akin  to  those  expressed  by  Paul,  when  he 
met  the  brethren  at  Appii-forum,  'I  thanked  God,  and  took 
courage.'  I  sought  his  acquaintance,  and  found  him  to  be  all  I 
had  hoped  or  wished  for — a  brother  whose  piety  was  unaffected, 
whose  zeal  was  ardent,  and  who  had  made  up  his  mind  to  live  for 
Christ  and  eternity.  And  thus  did  he  live,  as  surely  and  as 
certainly  as  I  pen  these  lines.  He  had  not  long  been  in  Alex- 
andria before  he  determined  to  relinquish  the  duties  of  an  auc- 
tioneer's clerk  for  a  higher  and  more  useful  life — it  was  that  of 
calling  'sinners  to  repentance.'  After  having  spent  some  years 
at  the  Columbian  College,  he  consecrated  his  best  energies  to 
this  great  work.  There  are  those  living  who  can  testify  to  his 
faithfulness,  and  will  weep  as  they  talk  of  his  '  work  of  faith  and 
labor  of  love.'  Here  we  separated;  but  our  hearts  were  united 
together  as  that  of  David  and  Jonathan.  Our  correspondence 
was  frequent  and  pleasant — to  me  the  more  so,  because  I  had 
reason  to  believe  he  took  a  deep  interest  in  all  that  was  calculated 
to  affect  my  character,  either  as  a  man  of  business  or  a  Christian 
disciple.  He  was  far  my  superior  in  position,  age,  and  informa- 
tion, knew  something  of  the  demands  and  caprices  of  society; 
therefore  I  regarded  him  as  a  fit  adviser,  a  safe  counselor,  and  a 
worthy  and  profitable  companion.  I  think  of  my  early  inter- 
course with  Brother  Herndon  as  among  the  most  pleasant 
reminiscences  of  my  now  rapidly  advancing  life,  and  shall,  to  my 
dying  day,  cherish  his  memory  with  emotions  of  pleasure  and 
gratitude. 

"T.  D.  Herndon  was  an  efficient,  faithful  preacher  of  the  gos- 
pel. I  never  heard  him  that  I  did  not  desire  to  be  a  better  man. 
I  never  saw  him  that  I  did  not  wish  to  imitate  his  example.  I 
never  thought  of  him  but  to  love  and  to  be  with  him.  I  knew 
him  well,  and  I  knew  him  long.  He  was  a  man  of  humble  pre- 
tensions, freed  from  ministerial  affectation,  and  clerical,  spiritual 
pride.  He  sought  to  rear  no  distinctions  between  himself  and 


POINDEXTER  P.  SMITH.  461 

other  men,  because  of  his  calling ;  but  desired  only  to  be  respected 
and  loved  just  so  far  as  his  life  and  character  tallied  with  that  of 
an  humble  follower  of  an  humble  Redeemer.  He  was  a  burning 
and  shining  light,  and  wherever  he  went  he  was  a  living  witness 
of  the  truth  he  so  much  loved." 


POINDEXTER    P.    SMITH. 

ANYTHING  like  an  extended  notice  of  this  estimable  and  useful 
brother  is  rendered  unnecessary  by  the  publication  of  a  memoir 
of  some  size,  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Smith,  of  the  City  of  Richmond. 
It  is  a  well-prepared  tribute  of  respect,  and  deserves  a  wide  cir- 
culation. We  esteem  it  appropriate,  however,  to  present  in  this 
collection  the  leading  facts  of  his  history. 

ELDER  SMITH  was  the  son  of  George  L.  and  Elizabeth  Smith, 
and  was  born  August  14,  1793,  in  the  County  of  Buckingham, 
Virginia.  His  parents  were  both  pious,  and  seemed  to  feel 
aright  their  obligation  to  bring  up  their  children  in  the  fear  and 
admonition  of  the  Lord.  He  often  made  a  thankful  allusion  to 
the  influences  which  were  brought  to  bear  upon  his  mind  in  early 
life.  Often  had  the  knee  been  bent  in  childhood's  hour,  while  he 
had  listened  to  the  fervent  supplications  of  a  tenderly  -  loved 
father.  In  his  tenth  year,  deep  religious  impressions  were  fast- 
ened upon  his  mind.  These  impressions,  more  or  less,  continued 
from  year  to  year  until  he  was  sixteen  years  of  age,  at  which  time 
he  was  so  strongly  exercised  that  the  special  prayers  of  God's 
people  were  frequently  sought.  This  state  of  mind  was  some- 
what modified  by  the  removal  of  his  father  to  Tennessee.  The 
diversion  of  his  thoughts  by  the  excitement  incident  to  a  settle- 
ment in  the  new  western  home  he  found  to  be  seriously  injurious. 
The  scenes  and  associations  were  all  unfriendly  to  his  spiritual 
interest,  and  he  relapsed  into  a  state  of  worldliness. 

As  if  to  confirm  his  own  mind  in  its  evil  tendencies,  at  the  age 
of  twenty  he  joined  the  army.  Under  the  command  of  General 
Jackson  he  was  several  months  engaged  in  some  of  the  most 

39* 


462  POINDEXTER   P.  SMITH. 

perilous  scenes  of  the  war  with  Great  Britain.  He  participated 
in  the  battle  of  Talahatchie,  on  the  3d  of  November,  1813,  and 
on  the  ninth  of  the  same  month  in  the  battle  of  Taladega.  His 
manners  and  morals  daring  the  exposures  of  the  camp  became 
vitiated,  and  upon  leaving  the  army  in  1814  he  seemed  to  have 
commenced  a  career  of  impiety.  All  traces  of  seriousness  were 
gone. 

But  God  did  not  abandon  him,  to  continue  in  the  path  of 
destruction.  Having  taken  two  excursions  to  Virginia,  during 
his  second  visit  he  found  an  interesting  Baptist  camp-meeting  in 
progress  in  the  County  of  Buckingham.  To  his  surprise  many 
of  his  old  companions  were  interested  in  the  question  of  their 
soul's  salvation,  and  some  were  rejoicing  in  the  gospel  hope.  His 
former  convictions  returned.  For  several  weeks  he  was  over- 
whelmed with  a  sense  of  his  guilt.  Misspent  time,  broken  vows, 
manifold  and  grievous  sins,  all  came  up  in  review  before  him,  and 
he  was  almost  ready  to  despair. 

About  the  middle  of  August,  1815,  while  in  attendance  at 
another  camp-meeting,  held  about  six  miles  south  of  Buckingham 
Court-house,  he  found  relief.  During  the  meeting  he  resolved 
one  morning  to  spend  the  entire  day  alone,  in  the  forest.  Here, 
in  meditation,  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  prayer,  his  faith  rested 
on  the  expiatory  sacrifice  of  Christ.  He  says :  "  I  was  there 
enabled  to  behold  Jesus  as  a  full,  able,  complete  Saviour,  and  was 
perfectly  willing  to  trust  the  eternal  salvation  of  my  soul  to  his 
will  and  power.  In  thus  believing,  I  felt  my  burden  removed, 
my  guilt  gone,  and  a  peace  and  joy  I  never  knew  before." 

After  serious  and  prayerful  examination  of  himself,  and  of  the 
question  of  duty,  he  united  with  the  Baptist  church  at  Red  Oak 
Meeting-house,  Buckingham  County.  Immediately  he  conferred 
not  with  flesh  and  blood,  but  gave  himself  to  the  work  of  diffus- 
ing the  knowledge  of  Jesus  to  others.  A  prayer-meeting  was 
instituted  at  his  suggestion.  He  was  appointed  its  leader  by 
common  consent.  All  seemed  to  look  at  him,  from  the  time  of 
his  baptism,  as  one  likely  to  take  a  prominent  part  among  the 
Lord's  people.  He  now  began  to  exhort  his  fellow-men  in  public, 
and,  in  about  twelve  months,  to  preach.  Respecting  his  call  to 
the  ministry  he  had  many  misgivings.  An  irrepressible  anxiety 


POINDEXTER  P.  SMITH.  4G3 

to  glorify  his  Redeemer  in  the  salvation  of  sinners,  urged  him1  on 
to  speak  of  the  great  salvation ;  and  yet,  a  sense  of  unfitness,  and 
his  limited  education,  filled  him  with  perplexity  and  dread.  But 
he  labored  on.  As  an  overseer,  he  would  walk  five  or  six  miles 
in  the  evening,  after  the  toils  of  the  day,  to  attend  a  meeting, 
and  return  the  same  night,  to  be  ready  for  his  work  in  the  morn- 
ing. The  result  of  these  attempts  was  to  fix  in  the  minds  of  his 
brethren  the  idea  of  his  qualification  for  the  ministry,  and  his  own 
mind  becoming  better  satisfied,  he  was,  in  June,  1818,  commis- 
sioned by  the  church  to  preach. 

Having  entered  the  ministry,  and  being  conscious  of  the  defi- 
ciency of  his  early  education,  he  connected  himself  with  a  school 
in  the  vicinity  of  his  residence,  devoting  himself  chiefly  to  the 
study  of  English  grammar.  He  afterwards  taught  school,  with 
reference  to  his  own  improvement  as  well  as  a  support.  The  need 
of  due  preparation  for  the  work  of  preaching  the  gospel  was  felt. 
"I  would  recommend,"  he  afterwards  said,  "all  young  ministers 
to  strain  every  point  to  obtain  a  good  education.  I  speak  from 
a  knowledge  of  the  want  of  it." 

In  1822  he  attended  for  the  first  time  the  meeting  of  the  General 
Association,  in  Lynchburg,  and  to  the  end  of  life  was  an  earnest, 
uncompromising  friend  of  missions.  Shortly  after  this  he  was 
ordained  by  Elders  Joseph  Jenkins,  Samuel  Davidson,  and  Ga- 
briel Walker.  On  the  twenty-second  of  February  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Martha  Jane  Berryman. 

He  now  gave  himself  to  the  ministry,  devoting  much  of  his 
time  to  preaching.  He  served  various  churches  at  different  times. 
Among  these  were  Mulberry  Grove,  Buckingham,  Mount  Tabor, 
the  Fork  Church,  Fluvanna  County,  Fork  of  Willis,  etc.  His 
labors,  for  a  succession  of  years,  were  of  the  most  arduous 
character,  preaching  sometimes  at  the  rate  of  three  hundred 
sermons  a  year,  besides  traveling  great  distances  to  fill  his 
appointments.  In  supplying  one  of  his  churches  it  was  neces- 
sary to  travel  on  horseback  eighty  miles  every  month.  Conver- 
sions and  baptisms  under  his  ministry  were  numerous ;  at  one 
time  leading  into  the  water  more  than  forty,  at  another  sixty  per- 
sons. Thus  he  was,  especially  as  a  proclaimer  of  the  gospel, 
eminently  useful.  As  a  pastor,  he  did  not  excel.  And  how  couM 


464  JOHN  OGILVIE. 

he  ?  His  field  was  large,  his  duties  multiform,  his  calls,  in  dif- 
ferent directions  and  to  distant  points,  frequent.  He  seems  to 
have  worn  out  himself  by  the  variety  and  pressure  of  his  toils. 

In  the  year  1844  his  health  began  to  be  seriously  affected.  But 
he  toiled  on.  His  mind,  too,  was  calm  and  peaceful.  Writing 
from  the  Springs,  he  says :  "  Old  David  never  desired  a  drink  of 
water  from  the  well  of  Bethlehem  more  than  I  do  to  commingle 
with  my  brethren  at  the  Fork."  Again:  "My  brethren  and 
friends  are  far  away,  but  Christ  is  near,  and  my  hope  in  him  is 
strong  as  ever."  Again:  "I  shall  in  a  few  days  strike  hands 
with  you  on  the  other  side  of  Jordan,  where  we  shall  have  no 
more  doubts  and  fears,  no  cloudy  days  or  dark  nights,  but  be  with 
the  Lord  forever." 

His  death  occurred  November  13th,  1845.  He  left  a  widow 
and  eight  children.  Truly,  theirs  was  a  heavy  loss ;  and  how 
great  the  trial  to  his  churches  none  can  tell.  For  a  more  par- 
ticular reference  to  his  character  and  labors  we  refer  to  the 
Memoir  already  mentioned. 


JOHN    OGILVIE. 

WE  shall  not  soon  forget  the  meek,  unobtrusive,  yet  warm- 
hearted disciple  of  Christ  whose  character  and  labors  we  here 
propose  to  sketch.  It  has  been  our  privilege  to  be  with  him  in 
the  pulpit,  in  the  social  circle,  and  at  his  own  happy  home,  and 
everywhere  he  was  found  the  same  undeviating  follower  of  truth 
and  righteousness.  Few  men  were  better  qualified  to  inspire  with 
kindly  affections.  He  was  himself  affectionate  and  amiable  in  his 
manners.  Loving  the  society  of  good  men,  he  drew  them  to  him- 
self, and,  in  numerous  instances,  in  strong  and  lasting  friendship. 

ELDER  OGILVIE  was  born  in  Stafford  County,  in  the  year  1793. 
His  early  years  were  spent  in  the  exercise  of  industrious  habits; 
as  Rev.  Mr.  George  expresses  it,  "  amid  scenes  and  employments 
such  as  are  common  to  persons  reared  in  the  walks  of  humble 
rural  life.  He  had  many  discouraging  difficulties  with  which  to 


JOHN   OGILVIE.  465 

contend,  in  the  first  stages  of  his  career ;  but  habits  of  industry, 
and  general  good  conduct,  gave  him  employment ;  fidelity  in  the 
discharge  of  the  trusts  confided  to  his  care  won  him  friends,  and 
friends  furnished  him  with  facilities  for  acquiring  an  education 
and  otherwise  preparing  himself  for  the  duties  of  life.  The  pro- 
fessions of  physician  and  lawyer  had  attractions  for  his  vigorous 
and  active  mind,  and  at  different  times,  as  circumstances  seemed 
to  favor,  some  steps  were  taken  with  reference  to  both  professions. 
For  the  purpose  of  enabling  him  to  carry  out  his  wishes  in  regard 
to  one  of  those  learned  professions,  he  took  a  school  in  the  County 
of  Culpepper,  where  he  remained  a  short  time,  and  then  removed 
to  Jefferson  ton,  in  the  same  county,  to  take  charge  of  an  academy. 
From  Jeffersonton  he  removed  to  Fauquier  County,  at  the  close 
of  the  year  1826,  and  entered  upon  the  duties  of  Principal  of  the 
New  Baltimore  Academy,  which  post  he  held,  and  continued  to 
discharge  its  duties  with  unabated  energy  and  popularity,  for 
twenty  years,  and  was  given  up  only  because  he  desired  to  prose- 
cute with  less  hinderance  the  high  and  holy  objects  of  his  calling 
as  a  minister  of  the  gospel." 

From  a  sermon  preached  with  reference  to  his  death,  by  Elder 
B.  Grimsley,  we  extract  the  following:  "While  engaged  in  his 
school  at  Jeffersonton,  he  devoted  all  the  time  he  could  abstract 
from  the  discharge  of  his  duties  as  instructor,  to  a  course  of  pre- 
paration for  the  practice  of  law,  and  had  nothing  occurred  to 
interrupt  the  prosecution  of  his  purpose,  no  doubt  is  entertained 
by  those  who  knew  him  that  he  would  have  risen  to  real  distinc- 
tion in  this  learned  profession.  But  God  had  higher  and  holier 
work  for  him  to  do.  We  now  approach  an  event  which  gave 
character  to  his  after-life,  and  a  new  direction  to  the  energies  of 
his  noble  mind. 

"  In  early  life,  Elder  Ogilvie  had  imbibed  infidel  sentiments, 
which  grew  with  his  growth  and  strengthened  with  his  strength. 
In  the  year  1823  he  listened  to  a  sermon  delivered  by  Elder  C. 
George,  and  at  the  close  of  the  discourse  the  preacher  propounded 
this  solemn  question  :  'What  shall  it  profit  a  man,  if  he  gain  the 
whole  world  and  lose  his  own  soul  ?'  This  solemn  question 
arrested  the  attention  of  the  skeptic,  and  in  an  effort  to  solve  it, 
he  was  led  to  see  the  fallacy  of  his  skepticism  and  his  guilty  and 

VOL.  n. — 2  E 


466  JOHN  OGILVIE. 

ruined  condition  as  a  rebel  against  God.  These  discoveries 
brought  him,  with  deep  contrition  of  soul,  to  the  foot  of  tho 
Cross,  to  seek  the  mercy  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ.  Here  he  found 
peace  in  believing,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Recognizing  his 
obligations  to  the  Redeemer,  he  sought  the  first  opportunity  to 
profess  his  allegiance  to  Christ,  and  forthwith  began  to  publish  to 
all  around  him  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God. 

"One  month  from  the  date  of  his  baptism  he  was  regularly 
licensed  to  preach ;  and  about  one  year  thereafter  was  ordained 
to  the  work  of  the  Christian  ministry  and  assumed  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  Goose  Creek  (now  Pleasant  Vale)  Church,  in 
Fauquier  County,  Virginia.  With  this  church  his  labors  were 
continued  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century,  with  entire  accept- 
ance and  a  large  measure  of  success.  He  also  ministered  to  other 
churches  with  acceptance  and  success." 

As  suggested  in  the  above  extract,  the  whole  weight  of  his 
influence  was  now  wielded  in  favor  of  that  gospel  which  he  found 
so  replete  with  hope  and  joy.  He  had  learned  in  the  school  of 
infidelity  to  contemplate  it  as  a  cunningly-devised  fable,  and  now 
waking  up  as  from  a  bewildering  dream,  he  saw  that  it  was  he 
who  had  been  deceiving  himself,  that  his  former  scheme  was  with- 
out foundation,  and  that  the  gospel  was  a  faithful  saying  and 
worthy  of  all  acceptation.  Bringing  his  discriminating  mind  to 
bear  upon  the  evidences  of  Christianity,  the  conviction  was  strong 
and  overpowering  that  the  system  was  supernatural.  He  could 
as  soon  have  doubted  his  own  existence  as  the  reality  of  the  reve- 
lation which  the  Scriptures  contain.  And  when  he  was  led  to 
contemplate  his  relation  to  God  and  his  persistent  rejection  of 
God's  claim,  he  found  not  only  that  the  gospel  was  true,  but  that 
he  was  absolutely  hopeless  without  it.  It  was  with  him  a  felt 
necessity. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  he  should  become  deeply  interested  in 
the  gospel  ministry.  Like  converted  Saul  of  Tarsus,  he  was  will- 
ing to  count  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  know- 
ledge of  Christ  Jesus  his  Lord.  His  talents  and  acquirements 
qualified  him  to  rise  to  an  honorable  worldly  distinction  in  the 
legal  profession ;  and,  with  his  peculiar  energy,  none  can  doubt 
that  he  might  have  secured  a  handsome  estate  by  such  a  course. 


JOHN  OGILVIE.  467 

But  he  chose  to  become  a  plain,  laborious  Baptist  preacher,  and 
to  suffer  affliction  with  the  people  of  God.  Alluding,  in  a  letter 
to  a  friend,  to  a  toilsome  ride  from  a  distant  appointment,  in  the 
midst  of  an  inclement  season,  he  writes :  "  The  labor  of  a  country 
Baptist  preacher,  and  especially  of  one  who  is  compelled  to  per- 
form daily  toil  for  the  support  of  his  family,  is  great  and  fatigu- 
ing; but  all  is  sweetened  by  the  recollection  that  he  is  doing 
good,  in  persuading  his  fellow-men  to  be  reconciled  to  God,  and 
that  he  whom  he  serves  will  ere  long  say,  '  Well  done,  good  and 
faithful  servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord.'  I  think 
Baptist  preachers  have  in  one  respect  greatly  the  advantage  of 
other  preachers.  While  others,  in  most  instances,  are,  as  it  were, 
wearing  soft  raiment  and  dwelling  in  king's  houses,  they  are  often 
without  comfort,  always  without  luxury,  and  frequently  exposed 
to  the  greatest  hardships.  In  these  discomforts  and  trials,  to 
have  the  assurance  in  our  own  hearts  that  the  good  of'the  cause 
is  the  object,  and  the  glory  of  God  the  motive,  is  worth  more  than 
all  the  world  can  bestow."  This  language  expresses  the  views  he 
entertained  of  the  gospel  ministry  and  the  spirit  with  which  he 
performed  its  solemn  functions. 

The  labors  of  Elder  Ogilvie,  in  the  fulfillment  of  his  ministerial 
trust,  were  exceedingly  heavy.  It  will  not  be  inappropriate  to 
quote  from  the  pen  of  his  estimable  widow,  in  illustration  of  this 
statement.  She  remarks :  "  It  would,  I  am  sure,  appear  almost 
incredible  to  persons  of  the  present  day,  were  I  to  give  a  correct 
account  of  the  manner  in  which  he  spent  his  time,  almost  every 
moment  of  which  was  passed  in  labor  of  some  kind,  either  of  mind 
or  body,  never  allowing  himself  more,  and  very  often  not  so  much, 
time  for  rest,  as  was  really  necessary  for  the  strength  and  health 
of  his  body.  He  had  the  care  of  four  churches,  each  of  which 
he  visited  once  a  month,  on  horseback,  unless  severe  sickness  of 
himself  or  family,  or  bad  weather,  prevented.  Three  of  these 

urches  were  at  a  considerable  distance,  one  thirty,  one  twenty- 
five,  and  the  other  eighteen  miles  from  home,  and  the  traveling 
all  had  to  be  performed  between  Friday  evening,  after  school,  and 
Monday  morning,  in  time  for  school  again.  When  the  days  were 
too  short  to  get  through  the  duties  of  his  school  in  time  to  start 
Friday  afternoon,  he  would  frequently  take  a  cup  of  coffee  before 


468  JOHN   OGILVIE. 

day,  Saturday  morning,  ride  to  his  appointment,  preach  morning 
and  night,  and  on  Sabbath  morning  preach  again,  and  travel  very 
often  until  late  at  night.  Sometimes  the  rain  and  snow  were  to 
be  encountered  to  reach  home  and  be  ready  for  the  school  exer- 
cises. He  was  always  needing  rest  much  more  than  exercise, 
either  of  body  or  mind ;  and  this  was  not  for  one  or  two  years, 
but  the  last  twenty  years  of  his  life  were  spent  much  in  that  way. 
He  believed  he  was  called  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  this  duty, 
from  his  inmost  soul,  he  desired  to  discharge  in  the  way  which 
would  honor  his  Master  and  lead  sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to 
come.  In  addition  to  this  he  had  a  large  and  helpless  family  to 
support,  nine  daughters  and  four  sons." 

It  is  painful  to  know  that  one  so  well  qualified  to  promote  the 
edification  and  usefulness  of  a  Christian  church  should  have  been 
compelled  thus  to  deny  himself,  by  making  the  ministry  incidental 
to  the  business  of  teaching  school.  The  churches  have,  in  too 
many  instances,  been  derelict,  suffering  the  valuable  lime  and 
talents  of  their  pastors  to  be  absorbed  in  secular  pursuits,  in 
meeting  the  claims  of  their  families.  So  it  was  with  Ogilvie.  He 
might  have  ranked  with  the  most  gifted  as  an  expositor  of  God's 
word,  and  as  a  faithful  shepherd  over  the  flock,  giving  his  entire 
mind  and  time  to  the  work.  But  what  could  he  do  ?  His  large 
and  growing  family  must  have  food  and  raiment,  and  it  was  his 
solemn  duty,  under  the  Divine  direction,  to  provide  them. 

This  leads  to  a  notice  of  the  fact,  that  Brother  Ogilvie  may 
have  been  deficient  in  requiring  his  churches,  which  were  able  to 
do  it,  to  give  him  a  competent  support.  Some  of  our  best  men 
have  failed  in  this  respect.  Not  that  they  doubted  as  to  the  obli- 
gation of  the  churches  to  sustain  their  pastors,  but  a  false  deli- 
cacy, and  a  want  of  faith  in  God,  have  prevented  them  from  the 
occupancy  of  high  scriptural  ground  on  this  subject.  We  can 
even  now  grieve,  and  almost  weep,  that  such  a  man  as  John 
Ogilvie  should  have  been  compelled  to  delve  in  the  school-room, 
when  he  might  have  given  himself  wholly  and  so  usefully  to  the 
ministry. 

We  here  introduce  from  Elder  Grimsley's  sermon  a  reference 
to  his  character  as  a  proclaimer  of  the  gospel :  "As  a  preache*, 
Elder  Ogilvie  was  endowed  with  superior  gifts.  Few  men,  in  any 


JOHN  OGILVIE.  469 

department,  possessed  his  logical  ability.  With  an  ease  that 
seemed  astonishing,  he  would  divest  his  subject  of  ambiguity,  and 
make  it  so  plain  that  the  feeblest  capacity  could  comprehend.  In 
his  pulpit  ministrations  he  was  highly  evangelical.  I  have  never 
heard  him  preach  a  sermon  (and  I  have  heard  him  preach  many) 
from  which  a  man  who  had  never  heard  the  gospel  before,  and 
should  never  hear  it  again,  might  not  learn  enough  about  the  plan 
of  salvation  by  the  cross  of  Christ  to  save  his  soul. 

"  In  his  doctrinal  views  he  was  a  moderate  Calvinist,  removed 
alike  from  Antinomianism  on  the  one  hand,  and  Arminianism  on 
the  other.  Upon  man  he  charged  all  the  guilt  of  his  own  ruin, 
and  to  God  he  ascribed  all  the  glory  of  his  salvation;  and  inti- 
mately acquainted  himself  with  the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  he  fed 
his  flock  with  knowledge  and  understanding."  . 

During  the  painful  collisions  which  occurred  some  years  ago  in 
connection  with  the  work  of  missions,  Brother  Ogilvie  took  very 
decided  ground.  He  was  a  lover  of  peace,  and  his  unwillingness 
to  break  away  from  some  of  the  churches  holding  anti- missionary 
sentiments,  led  them  sometimes  to  claim  him.  His  absorbing 
school  duties  prevented  him  also  from  an  attendance  on  our  large 
anniversary  meetings,  but  he  was,  nevertheless,  a  warm  friend  of 
missions,  and  threw  himself  fully  with  his  brethren  on  that  side  of 
the  question.  An  admirable  circular  letter,  written  by  him  for 
the  Columbia  Association,  in  1842,  develops  his  views  on  the 
importance  of  combination  for  the  spread  of  the  gospel.  Refer- 
ring to  this  subject,  he  says : — 

"  The  objects  of  an  association  should  be  twofold  :  the  one,  our 
own  individual  enjoyment  and  edification ;  the  other,  the  con- 
version of  sinners,  and  the  consequent  enlargement  of  the  churches. 
But  these  ends  we  are  taught  to  seek  in  a  large  portion  of  the 
New  Testament,  and  perhaps  in  no  part  of  it  more  clearly  than 
in  that  which  is  generally  termed  the  'Lord's  Prayer.'  Here  we 
are  first  instructed  to  pray  for  the  coming  of  the  Lord's  kingdom, 
and  lastly  for  our  individual  good  ;  and  in  another  place  we  are 
taught  to  seek  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness,  first  of 
all  things.  It  is  plain,  then,  that  those  things  which  will  tend  to 
enlarge  the  kingdom  should  receive  our  first  and  chief  attention. 
Now,  brethren,  as  it  is  clear  from  ihe  word  of  God,  and  from  the 

VOL.  ii.  40 


470  JOHN   OGILVIE. 

history  of  the  church,  that  the  Lord  employs  instrumentality  in 
carrying  forward  the  glorious  work  of  redeeming  sinners,  when 
we  come  together  as  an  association  our  principal  duty  is  to  unite 
iu  devising  those  means  and  plans  most  likely  to  be  honored  by 
the  Lord  as  agents  in  the  prosecution  of  his  own  work.  So 
thoroughly  convinced  of  the  correctness  of  this  position  were  our 
fathers  in  Israel,  that  in  the  formation  of  an  association,  once  the 
most  eminent  and  influential  in  all  this  region,  but  now  the  most 
hostile  toward  the  benevolent  institutions,  they  set  forth  as  their 
principal  object,  'the  spread  of  the  gospel.' 

"  But  some  of  our  brethren,  having  become  wiser  than  their 
fathers,  have  discovered  that  the  sentiments  and  practice  of  these 
ancient  worthies  were  all  anti-scriptural,  and  have  consequently 
set  themselves  about  a  reformation,  which  consists  in  opposing 
vigorously  the  very  means  most  successful  in  promoting  '  the 
spread  of  the  gospel.'  We  hope,  brethren,  that  none  of  you  are 
likely  to  be  found  opposing,  or  even  doubting,  but  that  it  is  the 
duty  of  us  all  to  hold  ourselves,  and  all  we  have,  as  consecrated 
to  the  Lord ;  to  be  employed  in  that  very  way  which  he  prescribes, 
and  is  most  likely  to  advance  his  glory  in  the  extension  of  his 
reign  and  the  salvation  of  sinners." 

He  still  further  amplifies  on  this  subject,  insisting  upon  it  that  a 
vigorous  prosecution  of  appropriate  means  was  essential,  as  God's 
own  plan,  for  the  accomplishment  of  his  own  glorious  purposes. 

"There  are  three  component  parts  in  Christian  character, 
which,  like  the  vital  fluids  of  human  nature,  are  necessary  in  due 
proportion  for  the  healthful  existence  of  the  system.  These  we 
name — Doctrine,  Experience,  and  Practice.  All  these  must  com- 
bine in  that  person  who  enjoys  much  communion  with  God, 
adorns  the  doctrine  of  Christ  his  Saviour  in  all  things,  is  useful 
in  his  day  and  generation,  and  has  a  good  and  solid  reason  of  the 
hope  that  is  within  him  ;  and  as  the  church  is  composed  of  indi- 
viduals, if  all  the  members  exhibited  clearly  those  beautiful 
delineations  of  Christian  character,  then  indeed  would  she  shine 
as  the  sun,  be  fair  as  the  moon,  and  terrible  as  a,n  army  with  ban- 
ners, and  Zion  would  be  the  praise  of  all  the  earth.  Brethren, 
let  us  keep  in  mind  that  doctrine,  without  a  holy  life,  is  Antino- 
mianism  ;  that  works,  without  correct  doctrine,  is  Arminianisin ; 


JOHN   OGILVIE.  471 

that  both  doctrine  and  works  together,  without  being  born  of  the 
Spirit,  will  not  save  the  soul. 

"  It  is  not  to  be  questioned  by  those  who  believe  the  Bible, 
but  that  the  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  to  become  the  kingdoms 
of  our  Lord,  and  of  his  Christ.  And  when  we  consider  the 
exceeding  progress  which  the  little  grain  of  mustard-seed  has 
already  made  in  the  different  nations  of  the  earth,  we  see  that  all 
this  great  work  has  been  connected  with  human  instrumentality. 
How,  let  us  inquire,  came  we,  the  inhabitants  of  these  United 
States,  in  possession  of  the  gospel  of  peace  ?  How  did  it  travel 
to  us  from  the  Eastern  Continent  ?  And  how  did  it  make  its  way 
from  the  point  of  its  introduction  in  our  own  country  to  the 
numerous  sections  which  are  now  irradiated  by  its  brilliant  beams  ? 
All  can  see,  all  do  see,  that  the  gospel  has  not  moved  one  inch 
farther  than  it  has  been  carried  by  human  agency.  True,  that 
the  power  of  God  is  the  prime  moving  cause,  but  human  effort  is 
the  instrumentality  which  He  employs  and  honors.  Then,  bre- 
thren, let  us  be  watchful  for  every  opening,  and  ready  to  embrace 
every  opportunity  for  throwing  our  mite  into  the  treasury  of  the 
Lord,  and  participating  in  the  rich  reward  which  is  promised  to 
those  who  labor  and  faint  not." 

The  above  extract  illustrates  the  extent  to  which  he  would  have 
desired  to  see  properly  selected  means  put  into  operation  for  the 
spread  of  the  gospel.  He  was  willing  himself  to  toil,  as  well  as 
to  make  painful  sacrifices  for  this  object,  and  he  longed  to  see  the 
whole  Baptist  family  united  in  its  promotion. 

We  now,  with  reference  to  his  character  and  death,  introduce  a 
few  paragraphs  from  the  sermon  of  Elder  Grimsley. 

"It  is  rarely  our  privilege  to  contemplate  a  more  beautiful 
specimen  of  moral  worth  and  excellency  than  was  presented  in 
his  life.  Who  can  contemplate  his  firm,  unfaltering  adherence  to 
the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  amid  scenes  and  circumstances  pecu- 
liarly trying,  and  not  feel  a  strong  conviction  that  his  principles 
were  deep,  vital,  vigorous,  and  that  the  power  that  sustained  him 
was  divine  ?  Who  can  contemplate  the  mighty  change  wrought 
in  his  life  and  character,  and  not  feel  that  the  energy  put  forth  to 
produce  this  revolution  was  divine  ?  • 

"  Men  may  possess  unbending  integrity,  a  high  sense  of  honor, 


472  JOHN  OGILVIE. 

and  devoted  patriotism,  while  infidels  and  atheists,  and  we  admire 
such  specimens  of  unsanctified  worth.  But  it  is  the  gospel  that 
melts  the  heart  into  penitence,  and  molds  the  moral  character 
into  the  image  of  the  blessed  God.  To  the  gospel  Elder  Ogilvie 
was  indebted  for  his  piety  and  devotion.  Without  faith  in  Christ 
he  would  have  lived  a  worldling,  unmindful  of  his  soul,  his  God, 
and  eternity;  he  would  have  died  and  been  lost  forever.  He 
believed  and  obeyed  the  gospel ;  it  renovated  his  heart,  clothed 
him  with  humility,  inspired  him  with  gratitude,  breathed  into  his 
soul  the  spirit  of  prayer  and  benevolence,  and  thus  fitted  him  to 
live  a  useful  life  and  meet  death  without  dismay. 

"  In  social  intercourse  he  was  highly  gifted,  never  failing  to 
impart  an  interest  to  conversation.  As  a  citizen,  a  neighbor,  a 
friend,  he  was  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  him.  As  a  Christian, 
he  was  loved  and  revered  for  his  unaffected  piety  and  devotion. 
But  why  need  I  thus  speak  ;  most  of  you  knew  him  better  than  I 
did.  But  he  is  dead.  His  work  on  earth  is  done :  disease  is  sent 
to  release  him  ;  and  on  the  second  of  June,  1849,  in  his  fifty-sixth 
year,  he  calmly  fell  asleep  in  Jesus.  And  now  it  becomes  our  duty 
to  consider  the  closing  scenes  of  the  life  of  our  dear  brother.  The 
nature  of  his  disease  was  such  as  to  prohibit  a  free  communica- 
tion with  his  friends,  yet  was  he  permitted  to  testify  that  in  this 
trying  hour  his  faith  and  hope  were  firm  and  supporting.  A  friend 
and  relation  approached  him  a  few  moments  before  he  breathed 
his  last,  and  asked  him  if  he  had  any  fears  in  regard  to  the  future. 
He  replied:  'I  fear  myself;  I  feel  that  I  am  a  poor  sinner  in  the 
sight  of  God,  and  deserve  his  displeasure ;  but  I  have  no  fears  of 
his  faithfulness.  I  confide  in  his  promises,  and  my  hope  of  accept- 
ance is  in  the  blood  of  his  dear  Son.  I  look  upon  Jesus  Christ 
as  my  friend,  and  trust  I  shall  soon  be  with  him  to  behold  his 
glory.'" 

Thus  died  this  lovely  man,  having  toiled  in  the  instruction  of 
youth  twenty-nine  years,  and  twenty-six  years  in  the  ministry.  It 
was  a  sad  calamity  to  the  churches  he  served,  though  to  him  the 
beginning  of  unending  rest. 

The  letter  of  Pleasant  Yale  Church  to  the  Columbia  Associa- 
tion, at  its  session  of  1849,  thus  adverts  to  the  event : — 

"We  have  been  called  upon  to  mourn  the  decease  of  our  be- 


N       JOHN   OGILVIE.  473 

loved  brother  and  pastor,  Elder  John  Ogilvie.  He  died  at  his 
residence  in  this  county  on  the  second  day  of  June  last.  It  is 
unnecessary  for  us  to  speak  of  his  great  public  worth  as  a  minister 
of  the  gospel,  as  his  name  is  identified  with  all  that  is  endearing 
to  the  Baptist  denomination  in  this  State.  His  death  will,  no 
doubt,  be  deeply  felt  in  your  body ;  but  it  remains  for  us,  the 
people  of  his  charge,  more  deeply  to  feel  his  loss,  for  none  so  well 
knew  his  worth.  As  a  pastor,  brother,  friend,  and  Christian,  we 
can  truly  say  we  loved  him  well.  In  the  discharge  of  all  his 
duties  in  life  he  exemplified  the  Christian  character;  and  although 
his  lips  are  now  closed  forever,  and  his  voice  hushed  in  the  still- 
ness of  death,  yet  the  remembrance  of  his  virtues  shall  occupy  a 
place  fresh  in  our  memory  till  'life's  latest  breath.'  But  while, 
with  unaffected  sorrow,  we  mourn  this  sad  bereavement,  we  trust 
we  can  bow  submissively  to  the  will  of  our  Heavenly  Father." 

This  sketch  is  closed  by  a  reference  from  the  pen  of  Rev.  C. 
George : — 

"  Having  preached  Christ  and  him  crucified  for  a  quarter  of  a 
century  to  the  congregation  of  Goose  Creek,  (now  Pleasant  Yale,) 
and  having  ministered  statedly  for  some  years  at  Carter's  Run, 
Little  River,  Broad  Run,  and  Ebenezer — while  still  giving  pro- 
mise in  his  elastic  step  and  general  sound  health  of  years  of  ser- 
vice yet  to  be  performed  in  the  Saviour's  name — the  hand  of 
disease  is  laid  heavily  upon  him,  and  in  a  few  short  days  he  is 
seen,  calmly  and  quietly,  on  the  second  day  of  June,  1849,  yield- 
ing up  his  soul  unto  God. 

"  Mr.  Ogilvie  was  the  subject  of  superior  mental  endowments, 
had  acquired  a  good  education,  had  carefully  considered  the  great 
subject  of  salvation  by  the  cross  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  stood  high 
as  a  preacher  with  those  who  knew  him,  on  account  of  the  vigor 
of  his  conceptions  and  the  clearness  with  which  they  were  ex- 
pressed. As  a  mau,  he  was  respected  and  admired  for  his  pro- 
priety of  life ;  as  a  Christian,  he  was  honored  and  loved  for  his 
unaffected  piety.  In  all  the  relations  of  life  he  was  a  much  valued 
and  most  valuable  man.  He  was  twice  married,  and  has  left  a 
most  amiable  woman  and  ten  children  to  lament  the  loss  of  a 
devoted  husband  and  an  indulgent  father." 

40* 


474  ADDISON  M.  LEWIS. 


ADDISON    M.  LEWIS. 

ALTHOUGH  many  years  have  elapsed  since  the  migration  of 
ADDISON  M.  LEWIS  from  this  State,  yet  he  was  long  and  favor- 
ably known  as  one  of  the  most  intelligent  of  the  Baptist  ministry 
of  Virginia.  A  brief  reference  to  his  character  and  labors  is 
therefore  appropriate,  and  it  would  be  doing  injustice  alike  to 
him  and  to  the  denomination,  should  his  name  be  omitted  in  this 
collection. 

The  ancestry  of  Mr.  Lewis  were  highly  respectable.  Mr.  John 
Lewis,  brother  of  Addison,  long  known  as  one  of  the  most  popular 
and  useful  teachers  of  the  Old  Dominion,  thus  refers  to  his  pro- 
genitors: "On  the  revocation  of  the  edict  of  Nantes,  a  French 
Huguenot  lawyer  of  good  fortune,  Mons.  Louis,  left  his  native 
country,  and  bought  an  estate  in  Wales.  He  had  three  sons,  all 
of  whom  were  lawyers.  One  remained  in  Wales,, with  his  father, 
the  second  went  to  London,  and  the  eldest  to  Ireland.  After  the 
death  of  their  father,  the  youngest  emigrated  to  Virginia,  and 
settled  on  the  Dragon  Swamp.  He  is  the  Welsh  Lewis,  from 
whom  Addison  is  lineally  descended.  Howell,  Iverson,  Zachary, 
and  John,  are  the  most  common  given  names  of  this  branch.  The 
second  son  of  Mons.  Louis,  who  had  gone  to  London  to  practice 
law,  hearing  from  his  brother  in  Virginia  favorable  accounts  of 
the  country,  came  over,  and  settled  on  the  Rappahannock.  He 
is  the  English  Lewis,  from  whom  are  descended,  Fielding  Lewis, 
Howell,  and  Robert,  nephew  and  secretary  of  General  George 
Washington. 

"  The  eldest  son  of  Mons.  Louis,  who  went  to  Ireland,  died 
there ;  but  his  son  John,  who  married  the  daughter  of  a  Scotch 
laird,  fled  to  Virginia,  with  several  of  his  retainers  and  tenants, 
and  his  wife,  and  sons  born  in  Ireland,  he  having  killed  a  man  who 
invaded  his  rights  by  attacking  his  domicile  with  an  armed  force. 
John  Lewis  defeated  this  force,  and  slew  the  leader.  After  he 
reached  America,  the  facts  of  the  fight  being  known  to  the  Eng- 
lish sovereign,  he  was  pardoned.  He  is  the  Irish  Lewis,  who 


ADDISON   M.  XEWIS.  475 

settled  in  Augusta  County."  From  him  descended  a  numerous 
family. 

Zachary  Lewis,  the  father  of  Addison,  was  a  student  of  Wil- 
liam and  Mary  College  with  Thomas  Jefferson,  and  after  com- 
pleting his  education  accompanied  General  Washington,  and 
remained  with  him  some  time,  at  Old  Fort  Cumberland.  He  was 
promoted  to  a  colonelcy.  He  finally  settled  at  Belle  Air,  in 
Spottsylvania  County.  Here  Addison  M.  Lewis  was  born,  the 
seventh  child  of  his  father,  September,  1789. 

As  may  be  supposed,  Addison  enjoyed  the  best  facilities  for  the 
cultivation  of  his  mind  and  morals.  Studious  and  thoughtful,  he 
drank  in  knowledge  with  readiness,  and  seemed  intent  on  a  prepa- 
ration for  usefulness  in  future  life.  His  parents  were  Episcopa- 
lians, and  he,  according  to  their  ceremonials,  had  become  identified 
with  them.  His  manners  were  sedate,  and  his  disposition  amiable. 
Before  he  had  reached  his  nineteenth  year  a  painful  conviction 
that  he  was  unprepared  to  die  possessed  his  mind.  A  new  train 
of  thoughts  was  now  indulged.  Euclid  and  other  text-books,  in 
which  he  had  been  absorbed,  were  laid  aside,  and  Hervey's  works, 
Masselon's  sermons,  and  the  word  of  God,  took  their  place. 
These  were  studied  day  and  night.  So  absorbed  did  he  become, 
that  to  everything  else  he  seemed  indifferent.  His  brother  John 
refers  to  this  period,  and  remarks:  "He  became  then  a  walking 
skeleton.  He  drank  frequently,  but  did  not  eat  more  than  a  few 
mouthfuls  at  a  meal,  constantly  walking,  and  ejaculating  to  him- 
self. He  is  now  more  composed,  but  has  not  resumed  Euclid, 
which  he  laid  aside  a  few  weeks  ago." 

During  this  sore  mental  conflict,  much  profit  and  comfort  were 
received  from  one  of  his  father's  negro  servants.  Morgan,  this 
pious  slave,  and  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  was  the  best 
spiritual  adviser  this  young  master  could  find.  "Morgan,"  said 
his  brother,  "  has  had  more  of  his  company  than  I  have,  although 
we  were  very  intimate  before.  Addison  brings  him  to  the  study,  and 
also  goes  to  his  cabin  frequently."  How  illustrative  of  the  fact 
is  this,  that  the  experience  of  God's  grace  in  the  heart  qualifies 
far  better  for  giving  instruction  to  the  religious  inquirer  than  all 
the  learning  of  the  schools  !  The  most  logical  demonstration  and 
all  the  learning  of  the  pulpit  were  as  nothing,  compared  with  the 


4f6  ADDISON   M.  LEWIS. 

simple  teachings  and  humble  prayers  of  this  illiterate  slave. 
Morgan  was  to  the  young,  intelligent  inquirer,  more  than  all 
others  besides.  Under  his  tuition  Mr.  Lewis  was  led  into  a 
knowledge  of  God's  word,  and  his  plan  of  salvation. 

He  was  thus  brought  peacefully  to  rely  on  Jesus  Christ,  and  to 
hope  in  his  name.  Now  he  sought  intercourse  with  other  Chris- 
tians. In  all  probability  his  spiritual  teacher,  Morgan,  in  preach- 
ing unto  him  Jesus,  had  something  to  say  about  baptism.  Thus 
the  Ethiopian  eunuch  no  doubt  received  his  6rst  knowledge  from 
the  evangelist  Philip.  We  have  reason,  too,  to  believe  that  the 
notions  of  Christian  baptism  communicated  by  this  negro  slave 
were  scriptural.  The  impression  has  been  entertained  that  the 
colored  membership  of  our  churches  recognize  the  institution  as 
having  something  in  it  of  a,  saving,  converting  efficacy.  This  may 
in  some  instances  be  so,  but  the  class,  as  such,  have  usually  very 
different  ideas.  They  regard  it  as  expressive  of  their  allegiance 
to  Jesus  Christ,  their  already  received  Saviour  and  King,  in  whom 
they  have  joyfully  believed,  to  the  saving  of  the  soul.  The  next 
thing  we  hear  of  young  Lewis,  was  an  endeavor  to  hold  an  inter- 
view with  a  Baptist  preacher.  His  brother  says  of  him :  "A  few 
days  before  he  delivered  his  experience,  he  heard  A.  Waller 
preach  several  times.  He  then  went  to  visit  him  and  Benjamin 
Waller,  and  has  since  been  at  several  meetings,  and  at  the  houses 
of  the  members  of  the  Baptist  Society." 

Thus  the  mind  of  the  young  convert  was  led,  by  finding  an  ac- 
cordance in  the  practices  of  the  Baptist  people  with  the  New  Tes- 
tament, to  sympathize  with,  and  to  love  them.  He  was  baptized 
oa  the  3d  of  July,  1808.  His  chosen  companions  were  thereafter 
found  among  the  Baptists,  and  through  life  he  indicated  his  warm, 
strong  love  for  their  distinctive  principles,  because  he  believed 
them  scriptural. 

It  was  but  a  brief  period  after  his  connection  with  the  church, 
before  he  was  brought  into  the  ministry.  From  the  beginning  he 
conferred  not  with  flesh  and  blood,  but  with  great  boldness  made 
known  his  joy,  and  the  ground  of  his  hope.  Even  before  his 
baptism  he  began  to  hold  family  worship  by  the  consent  of  his 
parents.  His  brother  John  thus  alludes  to  this  fact :  "June  20, 
1808,  yesterday  evening,  Addison  M.  Lewis,  who  for  several 


ADDISON   M.  LEWIS.  477 

weeks  has  been  under  religious  impressions,  and  who  had  left  the 
Episcopal  church,  in  which  his  parents  had  been  brought  up,  by 
relating  his  experience  to  Absalom  Waller,  a  Baptist  preacher, 
after  returning  from  a  Baptist  Union  meeting  held  near  Bullock's 
Mill,  in  Louisa  County,  asked  his  mother  if  it  would  be  agreeable 
to  her  to  permit  him  to  read  a  portion  of  the  Scriptures,  sing  a 
hymn,  and  offer  up  prayer.  She  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and 
also  Mrs.  R.  Lewis,  and  the  doctor,  but  with  this  reservation  as  to 
himself,  that  he  should  attend  only  when  it  suited  his  convenience 
or  inclination.  I  was  present  at  this  conversation,  but  observed 
a  profound  silence.  This  morning  and  evening,  as  also  yesterday 
evening,  he  carried  his  plan  of  family  worship  into  execution. 
His  prayer  was  sometimes  interrupted  for  the  want  of  a  word, 
and  had  some  repetition,  but  was  fluent,  impressive,  eloquent, 
and  solemn.  This  did  not  surprise  me,  as  I  knew  that  he  had 
very  frequently,  of  late,  prayed  aloud  in  private." 

He  was  soon  recognized  as  a  promising  preacher  of  the  Word. 
In  1809  he  appeared  as  a  messenger  of  the  Gold  Mine  Church  to 
the  Goshen  Association,  and  for  about  twenty  years,  almost  with- 
out exception,  his  attendance  was  continued  at  the  annual  meet- 
ings. He  was  one  of  the  most  active,  intelligent,  and  influential 
members  of  this  body,  and,  for  most  of  the  time,  either  its  pre- 
siding officer  or  clerk.  N"ot  unfrequently  he  was  the  preacher 
selected  to  deliver  the  introductory  sermon,  or  to  write  the  cir- 
cular letter.  On  important  committees  he  seems  to  have  been 
frequently  placed.  Thus,  until  his  removal  from  Virginia,  as  a 
preacher  and  a  man  he  occupied  a  high  place  in  the  regards  of 
the  people. 

Aboa^  the  year  1830  he  migrated  to  Kentucky,  when  he  took 
position  among  his  brethren  in  the  ministry.  Subsequently  he 
removed  to  the  State  of  Missouri,  there  laboring  until  the  year 
185T,  when  he  was  called  away  to  his  reward,  having  nearly 
reached  his  threescore  years  and  ten.  His  loss  in  Missouri  was 
painfully  felt.  The  Mount  Pleasant  Association,  of  which  he 
was  a  member,  at  their  meeting,  after  his  death,  adopted  resolu 
tions  expressive  of  their  high  appreciation  of  him  as  a  laborer  in 
their  midst.  They  felt  that  a  good  man  had  fallen  in  Israel. 

Mr.  Lewis  occupied  a  high  position  among  the  Baptists  in  this 


478  ADDISON   M.  LEWIS. 

State,  as  a  consistent  advocate  of  the  great  doctrines  of  God's 
word.  He  was  also  eminently  practical  in  urging  those  truths. 
Referring  to  the  importance  of  correct  views  in  order  to  the  due 
exercise  of  holy  affections,  he  remarks:  "Though  the  term  'doc- 
trine' has  been  used  in  reference  to  various  systems  and  subjects 
taught  by  men,  yet  in  the  sense  of  the  Scriptures  we  understand 
by  it  those  great  and  important  truths,  taught  by  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  and  his  inspired  servants,  relating  to  the  gospel  kingdom 
and  the  salvation  of  sinners.  These,  as  recorded  in  his  Word, 
set  forth  the  character  and  perfections  of  God ;  the  fallen  and 
depraved  state  of  all  mankind — their  condemnation  by  the  law  of 
God,  and  exposure  to  Divine  wrath  and  indignation;  the  wise 
and  gracious  purpose  of  God,  in  the  gift  of  his  Son ;  and  the  work 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  in  changing  the  heart,  and  applying  the  bless- 
ings of  redemption.  Now  as  the  '  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against 
God,'  and  the  'understanding  darkened'  by  sin,  it  is  not  only 
ignorant  of  the  way  of  access  to  Him,  but  stands  utterly  opposed 
to  his  revealed  will,  until  brought  by  the  Divine  Spirit  to  see  and 
embrace  Christ,  as  'the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life.' 

"  Since,  then,  the  great  Teacher  of  truth  has  shown  that '  false 
prophets  are  gone  out  into  the  world,  and  deceive  many,'  it 
becomes  both  ministers  and  people  to  be  guarded  against  them : 
and,  following  no  man  farther  than  he  follows  Christ,  to  bring 
both  what  they  preach  and  what  they  hear  'to  the  law  and  to  the 
testimony,'  to  be  approved  or  rejected  by  that  unerring  standard. 
We  are  warned  of  those  who  teach  'for  doctrines  the  command- 
ments of  men,'  and  'by  good  words  and  fair  speeches  deceive  the 
hearts  of  the  simple.'  But  the  Lord  has  promised  that,  in  doing 
his  will,  'we  shall  know  of  the  doctrine,  whether  it  be  of  God,' 
so,  distinguishing  the  form  of  sound  words,  which  is  after  Christ, 
which  abases  human  pride,  and  ascribes  glory  to  God  only,  from 
that  worldly  wisdom  which  puffeth  up,  we  are  enabled  to  mark 
such  as  speak  of  themselves,  seeking  their  own  glory." 

He  was  a  friend  of  missions,  and  labored  for  their  promotion. 
He  thus  expresses  himself  on  that  subject :  "That  the  Redeemer's 
kingdom  shall  increase,  and  be  widely  extended  among  men,  is  as 
certain  as  that  Christians  are  called  upon  to  labor  for  its  accom- 
plishment. He  who  has  taught  us  to  pray  for  the  coming  of  his 


JOHN    BIRD.  479 

kingdom,  has  also  taught  us,  that  to  be  saved,  men  must  believe ; 
and  that,  to  believe,  they  must  hear  the  gospel  which  reveals  the 
objects  of  that  faith.  And  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  ? 
Those  who  enjoy  the  gospel  ministry  can  surely  appreciate  its 
worth  to  others:  and,  while  our  hearts  heave  wiih  warm  petitions 
to  God,  in  behalf  of  souls,  we  should,  with  zeal  and  prudence, 
foster  the  combination  of  Christian  effort  to  send  the  Word  of 
Life  to  those  that  sit  in  darkness,  and  in  the  region  and  shadow 
of  death.  Many  have  become  aroused  to  a  sense  of  their  obliga- 
tions on  this  score.  They  have  labored  in  the  harvest  of  souls, 
and  received  a  rich  and  everlasting  crown  of  rejoicing.  The 
gospel  is  progressing  among  the  benighted  portions  of  the  earth. 
We  rejoice  that  a  spirit  of  holy  enterprise  is  manifested  by  Chris- 
tians of  different  denominations  to  further  its  blessings  to  every 
nation  and  kindred,  people  and  tongue ;  and  we  trust  that  the 
time  draws  near,  when,  with  open  face,  they  will  not  only  behold 
the  same  glory,  but  likewise  be  changed  into  the  same  image." 


JOHN    BIRD. 

THE  following  suitable  memorial  of  one  of  our  devoted  Vir- 
ginia ministers  was  prepared  by  Rev.  A.  Broaddus,  and  makes 
a  part  of  the  sermon  delivered  by  request  of  Upper  Essex 
Church : — 

JOHN  BIRD  was  born  April  3d,  1801,  and  was  consequently  in 
his  fifty-eighth  year  at  the  time  of  his  death.  His  first  wife  was 
Miss  Matilda  Haskins,  who,  some  fifteen  years  subsequent  to  the 
marriage,  died  childless.  His  second  wife  was  Mrs.  Sally  Ritchie — 
his  bereaved  and  heart-stricken  widow,  on  whom  now  devolves 
the  momentous  parental  responsibility  of  rearing  an  only  and 
almost  idolized  son.  Brother  Bird's  mental  temperament  led  him, 
in  early  life,  to  be  fond  of  gay  company  and  wild  sports.  He  was, 
in  the  most  favorable  sense  of  the  term,  a  man  of  pleasure,  but 
was  never,  I  believe,  addicted  to  dissipation.  So  far  as  I  have 


480  JOHN   BIRD. 

been  able  to  ascertain,  he  had  no  serious  impressions  on  the  sub- 
ject of  religion  previous  to  the  year  1824. 

During  this  year,  a  small  prayer-meeting  was  held  at  a  private 
house  in  the  County  of  Middlesex,  at  which  a  few  unconverted 
persons  present  manifested  so  much  interest  and  feeling,  that  an 
appointment  was  made  for  a  similar  meeting  to  take  place  the 
ensuing  week.  At  this  latter  meeting  the  attendance  was  much 
larger,  and  the  interest  more  marked  and  manifest.  The  work, 
thus  begun,  went  on,  widening  and  deepening,  till  the  whole 
region  around  was  brought  under  a  powerful  religious  influence, 
and  hundreds  were  added  to  the  church.  Brother  Bird  was  one 
of  the  fruits  of  this  revival,  and  was  baptized  by  Elder  Philip  T. 
Montague,  in  August,  1824. 

The  baptismal  scene  on  this  occasion  has  been  described  by 
Brother  Bird  as  far  the  most  impressive  and  imposing  he  ever 
witnessed.  The  place  selected  for  the  baptizing  was  a  small  bay 
or  cove  in  the  Rappahannock  River.  The  news  of  the  revival 
had  spread  throughout  the  Northern  Neck;  and  several  vessels 
crossed  the  river,  loaded  to  the  water's  edge  with  passengers.  On 
reaching  the  south  side  of  the  river,  these  passengers  took  small 
boats  and  arranged  themselves  in  a  semicircle  around  the  place  of 
baptizing.  Thousands  of  solemn  and  interested  spectators  lined 
the  shore,  and  while  a  hundred  candidates  went  hand  in  hand 
down  into  the  water,  a  glorious  song  of  praise  rose  from  the  vast 
throng  on  the  land  and  in  the  boats,  up  to  the  throne  of  God. 

Brother  Bird  having  been  licensed  in  1 825  by  Exol  Church, 
and  ordained  April  21st,  1827,  by  a  presbytery  consisting  of 
Elders  P.  T.  Montague  and  Richard  Claybrook,  (the  ministers  who 
officiated  on  the  baptismal  occasion  just  mentioned,)  entered  on 
the  duties  of  an  evangelist  in  parts  of  King  and  Queen  and  Essex 
Counties.  Some  two  or  three  years  after  his  ordination,  he  was 
chosen  assistant  pastor  of  Exol  Church;  and  in  1840,  on  the 
death  of  the  lamented  Segar,  he  was  called  temporarily  to  the 
pastorate  of  Enon  Church.  In  1836  he  was  chosen  pastor  of 
Upper  Essex,  and  continued,  to  the  time  of  his  death,  to  discharge 
the  duties  of  his  office  with  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  who 
knew  him. 

The  life  of  a  country  pastor  in  a  secluded  neighborhood  offers 


JOHN   BIRD.  481 

but  few  incidents  of  marked  interest;  and  now,  in  turning,  after 
this  brief  notice  of  the  life  of  our  loved  brother,  to  delineate  his 
character,  I  observe  that  he  was  a  man;  and  in  saying  this  I 
stamp  him  with  imperfection.  Brother  Bird,  like  all  other  men, 
had  faults,  the  most  prominent  among  which  was  a  nervous 
timidity  of  spirit,  a  proneness  to  augur  danger  where  none 
existed,  which,  from  an  excessive  apprehension  of  evil,  sometimes 
arrested  his  power  of  doing  good.  His  caution  was  extreme,^and 
his  natural  aversion  to  bold  and  hazardous  measures  sometimes 
enervated  his  resolution  and  crippled  his  efforts.  It  must  also  be 
acknowledged  by  his  warmest  friends  that  he  was  deficient  in  the 
spirit  of  authority — that  he  wanted  the  power  of  asserting  his 
rights,  of  repressing  the  encroachments  of  petulance  or  presump- 
tion, and  of  sustaining  his  pretensions  to  rule.  The  extreme  gen- 
tleness of  his  character  was  such  that  it  left  him  too  much  at  the 
mercy  of  those  who  were  conscious  they  might  abuse  it  without 
incurring  the  danger  of  his  resentment.  He  not  only  carried  with 
him  no  offensive,  but  he  had  no  defensive  armor.  The  want  of 
force  and  energy  of  character,  which  was  his  chief  imperfection, 
induced  a  fear  of  consequences  which  predominated  too  much  iu 
his  course  of  action,  and  consequently  he  was  more  easily  deterred 
by  the  apprehension  of  possible  evil,  than  incited  to  action  by  the 
prospect  of  good.  There  was  nothing  he  needed  to  be  cautioned 
against  so  much  as  caution  itself. 

For  the  liberty  I  have  taken  in  alluding  to  the  imperfections  of 
our  loved  brother,  my  apology  is,  that  unqualified  praise  is  deserv- 
ing of  but  little  credit,  and  that  the  "failures  of  even  the  best  men 
are  often  as  instructive  as  their  virtues."  It  is  but  justice,  how- 
ever, to  say  that  these  imperfections  were  in  the  strictest  sense 
imperfections.  They  were  not  the  result  of  obliquity  of  will  or 
deficiency  of  principle,  but  were  due  to  his  natural  temperament — 
were,  in  a  great  measure,  constitutional,  and  were,  to  some  extent, 
even  the  offshoots  of  virtues  themselves.  Moreover,  they  were 
counterbalanced  by  rare  and  admirable  excellences — excellences 
very  far  above  those  which  attach  to  the  average  character  of 
Christians. 

Brother  Bird  was  distinguished  by  great  kindness  of  heart.  Ho 
was,  in  the  best  sense  of  the  term,  a  philanthropist.  His  benevo- 

VOL.  ii. — 2r  41 


482  JOHN   BIRD. 

lence  embraced  the  whole  range  of  animated  existence ;  and  there 
was  not  a  creature  in  the  universe,  from  a  soaring  angel  to  a 
crawling  worm,  whose  happiness  he  did  not  desire,  and  would  not 
have  been  ready  to -promote.  Nothing  gave  him  so  much  pain  as 
the  apprehension  of  having  given  pain  to  others.  He  kept  his 
words  and  actions  under  constant  guard,  lest  he  might  wound  the 
feelings  or  injure  the  interests  of  his  fellow-men ;  and  if  he  thought 
he  had  unwittingly  given  offence,  he  was  unhappy  until  he  had 
made  the  amplest  explanations  and  apologies,  and  received  the 
fullest  assurances  of  satisfaction.  Though  no  man  entertained  a 
stronger  detestation  of  vice,  or  was  more  prompt  in  condemning 
faults  in  himself,  yet  he  was  ever  ready  to  extenuate  the  failings 
of  others,  and  to  soften  the  censure  with  which  the  erring  and 
vicious  are  usually  visited.  He  united  with  a  warm  and  ardent 
attachment  to  his  family  and  friends  universal  love  for  his  race ; 
thus  manifesting  the  spirit  of  Christf  and  furnishing  conclusive 
testimony  that  he  was  one  of  his. 

Brother  Bird  was  of  an  eminently  social  turn  and  temper.  He 
never  conceived  that  religion  was  an  enemy  to  the  innocent  enjoy- 
ments and  social  endearments  of  life,  and  hence  he  entered  into 
them  with  a  hearty  zest,  which  was  tempered  and  sobered,  while 
it  was  purified  and  exalted  by  Christian  principle.  Nothing 
seemed  to  give  him  more  delight  than  to  be  one  of  a  circle  of 
brethren  and  friends  of  congenial  tastes  and  feelings;  and  his  en- 
joyment was  always  enhanced  when  this  circle  surrounded  his  own 
fireside.  While  such  occasions  afforded  him  no  ordinary  pleasure, 
the  kindness  of  his  heart,  his  modesty,  and  his  intelligence,  added 
materially  to  the  enjoyment  of  others. 

Brother  Bird  was  distinguished  by  a  strict  and  tender  conscien- 
tiousness, which  was  manifest  in  all  he  said  and  all  he  did.  He 
entertained  a  most  sacred  regard  for  the  truth,  which  would  never 
allow  him  to  indulge  in  those  exaggerations  and  embellishments, 
in  the  statement  of  facts,  which  some,  who  would  shudder  at  a 
direct  falsehood,  feel  at  liberty  to  employ  in  order  to  render  a 
narrative  more  attractive.  Whatever  he  affirmed  might  be  con- 
sidered as  certain,  so  far  as  his  knowledge  went,  as  a  mathematical 
proposition.  Indeed,  he  was  so  scrupulous  in  reference  to  the 
truth,  that  he  was  sometimes  almost  tedious  in  making  a  state- 


JOHN   BIRD.  4 S3 

ment,  from  his  circumlocutions  and  qualifications  of  language.  He 
carried  the  same  conscientiousness  into  all  he  did.  It  was  said  by 
my  brother,  who  conducted  the  funeral  at  his  residence,  that  "an 
angel  in  heaven  would  as  soon  be  guilty  of  a  deliberate  violation 
of  principle  as  John  Bird."  I  fully  indorse  the  sentiment.  All 
the  powers  of  earth  and  hell  combined  could  not  have  induced 
him  deliberately  to  do  what  his  judgment  and  conscience  con- 
demned. Indeed,  so  tender  was  his  conscience,  that  he  willingly 
subjected  himself  to  the  charge  of  being  squeamish  and  fastidious, 
rather  than  indulge  in  many  questionable  practices  which  others 
considered  innocent.  His  constant  aim  was  to  "avoid  every 
appearance  of  evil." 

Brother  Bird  felt  a  warm  and  ardent  attachment  to  the  doc- 
trines of  the  Bible,  and  advocated  them  with  unflinching  firmness. 
There  was  nothing  of  the  bigot  about  him.  He  entertained  a 
catholic  charity  for  all  denominations,  and  loved  the  image  of  the 
Saviour  wherever  he  saw  it  reflected.  But  there  was  nothing  of 
the  looseness  of  the  latitudiuarian  about  him  either.  He  might 
yield  in  other  things ;  he  would  sacrifice  his  predilections,  and 
feelings,  and  interests,  to  the  wishes  of  others.  But  no  earthly 
consideration  could  induce  him  to  give  up  one  jot  or  one  tittle  of 
the  word  of  God.  Here  he  was  immovable  as  a  rock.  He  be- 
lieved with  all  his  heart  the  tenets  of  the  denomination  to  which 
he  belonged,  and  he  earnestly  desired  to  see  them  universally 
adopted  and  carried  into  practice.  I  remember  hearing  him  say, 
not  long  before  his  death,  to  two  ministers  of  whose  doctrinal 
views  and  intellectual  capacity  he  entertained  a  favorable  opinion, 
"I  depend  on  you  two  to  advocate  Baptist  views,  and  to  preserve 
the  purity  of  Baptist  doctrine;"  and  it  seemed  to  afford  him 
heartfelt  pleasure  that  there  were  ministers  of  his  acquaintance  to 
whose  hands  he  could  safely  confide  these  great  interests. 


484  CHARLES  A.  LEWIS. 


CHARLES    A.  LEWIS. 

WE  are  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  Elder  J.  C.  Willis,  for  a 
reference  to  the  life  and  character  of  the  excellent  man  whose 
name  heads  this  page.  We  shall  mainly  rely  on  this  reference  iu 
making  out  the  following  sketch. 

CHARLES  A.  LEWIS,  son  of  Charles  A.  and  Catherine  Lewis, 
was  born  in  Caroline  County,  Virginia,  about  the  year  1800.  Of 
his  genealogy  and  early  history  but  little  is  known  to  the  writer. 
He  is  informed,  however,  that  from  a  boy  he  possessed  that  trait 
of  character  so  essential  to  success  in  any  undertaking,  an  indomi- 
table energy  and  perseverance.  It  was  this  that  enabled  him 
by  his  own  exertions,  with  but  little  pecuniary  aid,  to  acquire  a 
good  English  and  classical  education.  By  it  he  outstripped  his 
classmates,  endowed  by  nature  with  more  sprightly  minds. 

He  was,  for  a  time,  a  student  at  the  University  of  Virginia. 
Having  finished  his  education,  and  married  the  widow  of  his 
cousin,  Colonel  W.  Woodford,  of  Caroline  County,  he  was  called 
to  take  charge  of  Rappahannock  Academy,  as  principal,  which 
position  he  filled  for  three  years,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the 
trustees  and  patrons.  After  he  had  been  absent  four  years,  he 
was  again  prevailed  upon  to  take  charge  of  it,  which  he  did  for 
two  years,  raising  it  each  time  from  a  declining  to  a  prosperous 
condition.  He  ranked  in  his  day  among  the  best  disciplinarians. 

It  was  during  his  last  stay  at  the  Academy  that  he  and  his  wife 
made  a  profession  of  religion,  and  were  baptized  into  the  fellow- 
ship of  the  Liberty  Church  by  the  pastor,  Elder  Laurence  Bat- 
taile.  He  commenced  family  worship  before  he  was  baptized. 
Brother  Lewis  was  naturally  a  man  of  great  spirit,  and  could  not 
bear  the  idea  of  failing  in  anything  he  undertook ;  consequently, 
for  a  short  time,  he  followed  the  Episcopal  prayer-book  in  family 
worship,  and  in  his  first  efforts  at  preaching  used  notes.  In  after- 
life, though  he  carefully  prepared  his  sermons,  he  seldom,  if  ever, 
carried  notes  into  the  pulpit.  His  surviving  daughter  remarks : 
"I  have  now  in  my  possession  skeleton  sermons,  under  texts,  etc., 


CHARLES  A.  LEWIS.  485 

in  great  numbers.  At  times,  when  there  was  not  much  preaching, 
he  was  a  hard  student." 

He  was  emphatically  a  student  of  the  Bible,  and  of  his  own 
heart.  To  use  his  own  reference  as  to  the  best  way  of  preparing 
one's  self  for  religious  duties,  "  he  lived  upon  his  knees,  and  fed 
upon  the  word  of  God."  He  threw  aside  his  notes  as  props  upon 
which  he  formerly  rested,  and  was  accustomed  to  address  the 
people  extemporaneously.  He  was  constantly  in  the  habit  of 
looking  up  to  the  Divine  Spirit  for  guidance  and  success,  even 
while  he  believed  it  proper  to  prepare  himself  by  previous  thought 
for  the  pulpit.  He  was  accustomed  to  say  that  it  was  a  source  of 
mortification  to  him,  when  he  looked  back  over  his  ministerial  life, 
to  see  that  Satan  had  so  far  influenced  him  for  a  season  as  to 
induce  him  to  exercise  an  undue  reliance  upon  notes,  instead  of 
looking  to  the  promise,  "  Lo  !  I  am  with  you  always,  even  to  the 
end  of  the  world." 

•The  writer  feels  that  he  can  say,  without  exaggeration,  that 
Brother  Lewis  was  the  most  spiritually-minded  man  he  ever  knew. 
He  had  the  deepest  sense  of  his  own  unworthiness,  and  of  the 
fullness  of  Christ.  It  was  no  uncommon  thing  for  him,  when 
riding,  to  put  his  hand  to  his  breast  and  exclaim,  "Unworthy, 
unworthy  !  Dearest  Saviour,  canst  thou  love  such  a  sinner  ?" 

It  was  very  soon  after  his  return  to  the  Academy  that  he  lost 
his  companion.  He  had  previously  lost  several  infant  children. 
His  little  surviving  daughter,  then  about  six  years  of  age,  for 
whom  he  always  manifested  more  than  ordinary  parental  anxiety, 
he  placed  under  the  care  of  her  maternal  grandmother  and  aunt. 
He  remained  a  widower  to  bis  death. 

He  was  a  man  of  prayer.  Could  the  groves  around  every 
meeting-house  where  he  preached,  and  along  the  roads  where  he 
traveled,  and  the  walls  of  the  chambers  of  his  flocks  speak,  of 
how  many  devoted,  agonizing  prayers  would  they  tell  1  But  these 
cannot  speak ;  his  groans  and  tears  are  doubtless  recorded  on 
high.  There  are  those  now  living  who  can  speak.  Where  is  the 
brother,  that  has  ever  rode  or  walked  with  him,  who  has  not  been 
invited  to  step  aside  into  some  retired  place  to  engage  with  him 
in  prayer  ?  How  many  are  there  that  have,  on  such  occasions, 
been  influenced  to  offer  their  first  audible  petition,  and  have  after- 

41* 


486  CHARLES   A.  LEWIS. 

wards  kept  up  both  family  and  public  prayer  ?  He  possessed  in 
an  eminent  degree  a  talent  for  calling  out  the  gifts  of  others. 
His  own  language  in  prayer  was  so  perfectly  simple  and  childlike, 
that  the  most  timid  and  stammering  would  be  induced  to  try. 
What  sympathy  and  tenderness  he  manifested  when  a  brother 
made  a  failure !  He  was  caused  to  feel  that  he  had  not  a  pastor 
"  that  could  not  be  touched  with  the  feelings  of  his  inlirmity,  but 
who  was  in  all  points  tempted  like  as  he  was." 

Election,  predestination,  effectual  calling,  and  the  final  perse- 
verance of  the  saints,  were  themes  upon  which  he  delighted  to 
dwell,  while  he  taught  experimentally  that  the  love  of  Christ 
alone  could  constrain  the  believer  practically  to  surrender  all  to 
Christ.  He  held  up  the  terrors  of  the  law  as  warning  to  the 
impenitent,  but  the  mercies  of  God  through  Christ  as  motives  of 
obedience.  At  times,  when  the  scenes  of  Calvary  were  vividly 
impressed  upon  his  mind,  there  was  a  peculiarly  persuasive  elo- 
quence in  his  manner  and  style. 

When  he  had  an  appointment  to  preach,  he  made  it  his  busi- 
ness to  be  there  when  the  time  arrived.  He  seldom  allowed  any 
weather  to  prevent,  and  the  consequence  was,  he  rarely  ever  failed 
to  have  a  congregation.  How  many  delightful  sermons  has  he 
preached  to  a  few  assembled  on  an  inclement  day !  The  register 
of  his  faithfulness,  his  love,  and  devotion,  is  in  the  minds  and  in 
the  hearts  of  those  whom  he  served.  No  doubt,  many  remember 
to  this  day  his  scathing  sermons  on  covetousness. 

He  preached  extensively  in  Eastern  Virginia,  in  the  early  part 
of  his  ministry;  and  the  writer  thinks  he  served  as  pastor  the 
churches  of  Providence  and  Salem.  In  the  latter  part,  up  to  the 
time  of  his  death,  he  was  pastor  of  Waller's,  in  Spottsylvania 
County,  of  County  Line,  Caroline  County,  and  was  co-pastor  with 
Elder  John  C.  Gordon,  of  Zoar  Church,  worshiping  at  Zoar  and 
Flat  Run,  Orange  County.  His  labors  were  greatly  blessed,  and 
great  numbers  were  gathered  in  under  his  ministry.  . 

The  Goshen  Association  is  indebted  to  Brother  Lewis,  with 
others,  for  her  present  efficient  operations  in  the  mission  cause. 
When  the  conflict  arose  in  the  Association  as  to  whether  she 
would  remain  with  the  General  Association,  or  withdraw  and  carry 
on  missions  independently,  he  was  favorable  to  the  present  plan. 


CHARLES  A.  LEWIS.  48  T 

When  the  present  system  was  agreed  upon,  he  visited  most,  if  not 
all,  the  churches  in  the  Association,  to  stir  up  in  them  a  missionary 
spirit.  The  next  meeting  of  that  body  told  that  his  labor  had  not 
been  in  vain. 

As  a  disciplinarian  he  looked  to  the  purity  of  the  church,  giv- 
ing countenance  to  no  evil  or  sinful  practice.  He  had  no  more 
use  for  little  sins  among  church  members  than  he  had  for 
little  foxes  in  a  vineyard.  He  looked  with  prophetic  vision 
to  the  time  when  the  test  should  be  introduced  into  the  churches. 
While  conversing  with  the  writer  during  his  last  illness  on  that 
subject,  he  said :  "  He  thought  the  time  was  near  at  hand  when 
total  abstinence  from  all  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage,  should 
be  made  a  test  of  fellowship  in  the  churches." 

He  was  endowed  by  his  Creator  with  a  generous  nature.  He 
seemed  to  feel  that  he  was  indeed  a  steward  for  Christ,  and  as 
Providence  offered  occasion  he  bestowed  liberally  of  his  means. 
The  poor  around  him,  while  principal  of  the  Academy,  felt  the 
effect  of  his  liberality.  On  one  occasion  he  had  fifty  dollars,  and 
for  which  he  had  a  pressing  demand  in  a  few  days,  but  falling  in 
with  an  afflicted  brother  in  the  flesh,  whom  he  found  to  be  in  a 
destitute  condition,  he  generously  gave  him  the  whole  of  it,  say- 
ing, "  The  Lord  gave  me  this,  and  he  will  give  me  more  if  he  sees 
fit."  The  Lord  did  see  fit  to  give  him  more.  On  his  return  he 
stopped  at  Crooked  Run  Church,  in  Culpepper  County,  where 
the  Lord  was  pleased  to  bless  his  labors,  in  connection  with  others, 
to  the  conversion  of  a  goodly  number  of  souls,  among  them  the 
lamented  Elder  John  0.  Garnett,  and  to  open  the  hearts  of  Chris- 
tians, so  that  when  he  was  about  leaving,  without  any  solicitation 
upon  his  part,  they  slipped  seventy  dollars  into  his  hand ;  thus 
being  faithful  in  a  few  things,  he  was  made  ruler  over  many  things. 
His  widowed  sister  shared  largely  in  his  liberality. 

Brother  Lewis  was  the  subject  of  affliction  in  his  latter  days, 
owing  no  doubt  to  his  great  imprudence  in  diet,  for  he  was  not  a 
prudent  man  in  such  things.  As  is  generally  the  case  with  per- 
sons of  ardent  temperament  he  was  subject  to  seasons  of  despond- 
ency. A  few  weeks  before  his  death  he  seemed  to  rally  from  his 
disease,  and  with  his  wonted  zeal  he  went  forth  to  preach  Christ 
to  the  people.  He  preached  at  Liberty,  in  Caroline  County,  on 


488  CHARLES   A.  LEWIS. 

Lord's  day,  in  the  forenoon.  The  news  spread  rapidly ;  it  seemed 
to  dispel  the  gloom  which  had  hung  over  his  flock  on  account  of 
his  illness,  and  to  shed  light  and  joy  into  their  hearts ;  but  ere  they 
could  realize  its  truth,  it  was  made  known  that  "Brother  Le\vis 
is  dead."  He  took  cold  from  over-exertion,  which  resulted  in 
hemorrhage,  of  which  he  died  early  in  the  spring  of  1847.  He 
died  with  his  armor  on,  in  the  full  assurance  of  hope.  May  it  be 
the  happy  lot  of  those  for  whose  salvation  he  so  ardently  labored 
in  this  world,  to  be  welcomed  by  him  to  the  bright  realms  of  end- 
less bliss ! 

In  addition  to  the  above,  chiefly  prepared  by  Brother  Willis,  an 
extract  from  the  pen  of  Elder  Herndon  Frazer  is  hereby  pre- 
sented : — 

"  He  was  a  good  man.  Good  is  a  relative  term.  I  do  not 
mean  by  it  that  he  was  not  a  sinner*.  His  departed  spirit,  if 
allowed  to  speak,  would  rebuke  me  sharply  for  uttering  such  a 
sentiment  as  this.  No  man,  perhaps,  had  a  more  abiding  sense 
of  the  depravity  of  the  human  heart  than  Elder  Lewis.  But  I 
mean  that  his  soul  was  deeply  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  Him  whom 
he  served,  which  prompted  him  to  follow  his  footsteps,  going 
'about  to  do  good.'  This  he  made  his  business.  He  gave  him- 
self wholly  to  the  ministry.  He  preached  'publicly  and  from 
house  to  house,'  and  wherever  he  went  he  sought  a  place  for  his 
Master,  and  would  not  tarry  long  anywhere  where  he  was  not  a 
welcome  guest.  He  gave  almost  everything  he  talked  about  a  reli- 
gious turn.  If  he  bore  his  testimony  against  a  popular  vice  or 
besetting  sin  of  a  professor,  it  was  by  showing  its  contrariety  to 
the  spirit  of  the  gospel,  and  this  in  so  affectionate  a  way  and  with 
a  motive  so  apparent  to  do  good,  that  no  offence  could  be  taken. 

"  He  was  pre-eminently  a  man  of  prayer.  He  prayed  always; 
that  is,  he  always  appeared  possessed  of  a  spirit  of  prayer,  and 
he  could  not  rest  satisfied  without  frequent  seasons  of  retirement, 
either  to  his  closet  or  the  fields  and  groves,  to  indulge  this  spirit 
at  a  throne  of  grace. 

"  How  well  all  his  pious  friends  who  were  intimate  with  him 
remember  this  trait  in  his  character !  In  his  walks  for  exercise  or 
meditation,  if  accompanied  by  a  friend,  he  could  hardly  pass  a 
grove  of  trees  or  other  secret  recess  without  proposing  to  make  it 


CHARLES   A.  LEWIS.  489 

an  oratory  or  place  of  prayer.  And  I  will  add,  I  believe  he  was 
instrumental  in  elevating  the  tone  of  piety  among  his  brethren. 
No  man  could  be  with  him  long  and  not  catch  something  of  his 
spirit  Worldliness  or  carnality  felt  rebuked  in  his  presence,  and 
his  incessant  lamentations  over  his  own  depravity,  his  involuntary 
ejaculations  for  help  from  on  high,  his  firm  belief  in  the  efficacy 
of  prayer,  his  faith  in  the  merits  of  Christ,  and  self-reproach  for 
indulging  in  the  sin  of  unbelief,  etc.  etc.  seemed  to  awaken  cor- 
responding emotions  in  the  bosoms  of  his  associates,  and  to  im- 
press a  kindred  character  on  their  hearts. 

"With  regard  to  his  preaching  talents,  although  his  manner 
was  a  little  exceptionable,  he  was  a  chaste,  fluent,  and  correct 
speaker.  He  had  great  zeal,  but  it  was  according  to  knowledge ; 
for  to  the  Bible,  and  the  Bible  alone,  did  he  appeal  for  all  his 
views  of  doctrine,  precept,  and  example.  He  was  well  acquainted 
with  the  Scriptures ;  was  able  to  read  them  in  the  original  tongues 
— at  least  the  Greek,  I  am  not  sure  about  the  Hebrew — and  he 
made  them  their  own  interpreter,  but  seldom  consulting  com- 
mentators. 

"  He  was  a  faithful  pastor.  He  not  only  preached  to  his  people 
at  their  meeting-house,  but  at  their  own  houses  and  fire-sides. 
He  visited  all  of  them  often,  to  see  after  their  spiritual  interests, 
and  if  he  found  anything  derogatory  to  the  Christian  character 
indulged  in  by  any  of  them  he  would  faithfully  admonish  them  of 
their  error,  and  seek  all  prudent  means  to  reclaim  them.  He  was 
an  advocate  for  strict  discipline  in  the  church.  He  was  also  an 
uncompromising  opponent  to  the  use  of  alcoholic  drinks  as  a 
beverage.  The  practice  of  making,  vending,  or  using  ardent 
spirits,  except  for  medicinal  purposes,  his  pious  soul  cordially 
repudiated  ;  and  he  considered  it  entirely  inconsistent  with  the 
Christian  character  to  engage  in  such  business ;  and  much  good 
was  accomplished  by  him  both  to  the  church  and  the  world  by  his 
labors  in  this  cause." 

The  testimony  thus  borne  by  Brother  Frazer  will  be  regarded 
as  just  by  all  who  knew  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  It  was  our 
pleasure  to  be  somewhat  acquainted  with  him,  and  to  recognize 
him  as  one  of  the  excellent  of  the  earth.  Though  some  of  his 
views  may  have  been  extreme,  in  spirit  and  in  practice,  he  was  not 


490  VALENTINE   M.  MASON. 

an  ultra  man.  No  one  ever  breathed  more  of  the  spirit  of  love. 
The  great  truths  of  the  gospel  he  fearlessly  proclaimed,  and  yet 
with  meekness  of  wisdom.  If  he  rebuked  sin,  it  was  not  because 
he  was  of  captious  or  unkind  temper.  He  took  strong  views  on 
the  temperance  question,  but  these  views  were  expressed  in  the 
kindest  manner.  With  respect  to  the  test  question,  his  daughter 
remarks : — 

"  I  am  under  the  impression  that  he  did  not  think  it  expedient 
to  have  it  agitate  the  churches  at  the  time  it  did,  from  a  conver- 
sation I  remember  hearing  a  very  short  time  before  his  death. 
Just  a  few  days  previous  to  his  last  sermon,  when  he  lifted  his 
voice  in  the  inculcation  of  the  spirit  of  love,  he  urged  the  pastor 
of  a  church  not  to  let  it  be  brought  forward.  I  do  not  think  he 
considered  it  expedient." 


VALENTINE    M.  MASON. 

PECULIAR  emotions  are  awakened  in  contemplating  the  history 
of  VALENTINE  M.  MASON.  Virginia  Baptists  cannot  easily  forget 
him.  They  are  not  a  little  indebted  to  him  for  the  diffusion  of 
their  principles,  and  the  building  up  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ  in 
their  midst.  Thousands  now  living  can  attest  with  what  fidelity 
he  wrought  in  their  service,  and  it  will  remain  for  the  judgment- 
day  to  develop  the  extent  of  an  influence  for  good  which  he 
sought  to  exercise. 

His  birth  occurred  in  the  year  1783,  in  Stafford  County,  near 
the  City  of  Fredericksburg.  In  would  seem  that  in  early  life  he 
was  taught  the  principles  of  the  Christian  religion,  but  whether 
his  parents  were  professed  adherents  of  the  gospel  system  is  not 
known,  or  with  what  denomination  they  affiliated  is  unknown. 
By  a  letter  written  in  after-life  to  a  relative,  he  intimates  that  the 
majesty  and  perfections  of  Jehovah  were  urged  upon  his  attention 
by  his  father  and  mother ;  and  that  as  early  as  the  age  of  five  or 
six  years  he  found  his  heart  rising  up  in  rebellion  against  a  being 


VALENTINE   M.  MASON.  491 

of  snch  purity.  He  referred  to  this  to  show  how,  even  at  the 
earliest  age,  the  carnal  mind,  which  is  enmity  against  God,  exhibita 
itself. 

He  was  brought  up  to  the  business  of  a  printer,  and  spent  a 
portion  of  his  early  years  in  Alexandria.  Nothing  further  of  that 
period  of  his  life  is  known  until  the  year  1804,  when  he  removed 
to  Lexington,  Virginia.  In  the  same  year  he  married.  For  a 
season  he  entered  a  clerkship  in  a  mercantile  house  of  that  town, 
but  subsequently  assumed  the  editorial  conduct  of  the  Lexington 
Intelligencer.  This  position  ke  filled  with  credit  to  himself  for 
several  years.  During  this  time  he  cherished,  with  more  or  less 
of  intensity,  a  concern  on  religious  subjects,  but  it  was  not  until 
the  year  1816  that  his  thoughts  and  feelings  were  of  a  decided 
character.  Then  the  power  of  godliness  was  felt  in  the  cordial 
committal  of  his  soul's  eternal  welfare  into  the  hands  of  Christ. 
His  views  from  this  period  seemed  to  be  remarkably  clear.  The 
evil  of  sin,  its  desert,  and  the  only  remedy  provided  by  God  in  the 
sacrifice  of  his  Son,  were  contemplations  with  which  he  was  daily 
familiar. 

In  a  letter  written  in  the  year  1817,  he  expresses  himself  as 
nnable  to  unite  with  the  Presbyterians,  with  whom  he  was  consort- 
ing, on  account  of  serious  scruples  on  the  subject  of  baptism.  He 
could  perceive  no  warrant  in  the  Scriptures  for  baptizing  infants, 
and  therefore  found  himself  unprepared  to  be  a  Presbyterian. 
His  intimate  friends  were  of  this  persuasion,  and  in  the  town 
where  he  resided  scarcely  a  Baptist  was  to  be  found,  while  no 
Baptist  church  existed  in  the  vicinity.  Every  dictate  of  personal 
interest  prompted  a  sacrifice  of  the  scruple  entertained  by  him. 
But  the  claims  of  conscience  and  the  clear  teachings  of  the  New 
Testament  at  length  decided  him  to  seek,  at  the  nearest  possible 
point,  a  connection  with  the  Baptists.  He  was  baptized  by  Elder 
William  Duncan,  in  1817. 

About  the  same  period  he  found  himself  pressed  in  spirit  to 
communicate  his  knowledge  of  the  gospel  salvation  to  others. 
His  naturally  active  mind  and  general  knowledge  qualified  him  at 
once  to  take  position  in  the  ranks  of  the  Baptist  ministry.  In  the 
year  1818,  being  then  a  licentiate,  he  appeared  as  a  messenger 
from  Neriah  Church  to  the  Albemarle  Association,  and  was 


492  VALENTINE   M.  MASON. 

appointed  chairman  of  a  committee  to  draft  a  constitution  for  a 
missionary  society — thus  evincing  that  from  his  early  Christian 
history  he  was  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  the  gospel  in  an  emi- 
nent measure.  In  all  probability  he  was  the  originator  of  the 
scheme  to  form  such  a  society,  and  for  this  reason  was  put  at  the 
head  of  the  committee.  lie  was  ordained  the  second  Lord's  day 
in  July,  1819. 

In  1823  he  was  appointed  clerk  of  the  Association,  and  con- 
tinued to  fill  this  office  for  ten  years.  Up  to  the  time  he  removed 
to  the  County  of  Amelia  he  was  the  efficient  pastor  of  Neriah 
and  Panther  Gap  Churches.  He  was  also  one  of  the  first  dele- 
gates deputed  by  the  Albemarle  Association  to  attend  the  General 
Association  of  Virginia,  and  almost  every  year  after  received  the 
appointment,  while  he  remained  in  that  region.  Nor  is  it  too  much 
to  say,  that  he  contributed  greatly  to  the  efficiency  and  interest 
of  those  large  meetings  of  the  denomination.  He  took  a  lively 
interest  in  the  incipient  measures  which  have  since  so  largely 
contributed  to  our  denominational  prosperity  in  this  State.  No 
measure  promising  good  was  regarded  with  indifference. 

He  warmly  espoused  the  cause  of  ministerial  education,  when 
first  the  society  for  this  purpose  was  organized ;  and  in  the  origi- 
nation of  the  Virginia  Baptist  Seminary,  and  afterwards  of  Rich- 
mond College,  took  an  active  part.  The  same  may  be  said  of 
foreign  missions.  He  longed  for  the  overturning  of  Satan's 
empire  among  the  idolatrous  nations,  and  pleaded  often  and 
earnestly  that  the  churches  should  take  a  livelier  interest  in  the 
diffusion  of  evangelical  truth. 

The  chief  influence  exercised  by  Elder  Mason,  in  the  great 
movements  of  benevolence  in  which  the  churches  engaged,  was  in 
favor  of  the  General  Association.  Until  within  a  few  years  past, 
that  body  was  confined  to  the  simple  work  of  supplying  destitute 
portions  of  the  State  with  the  preached  Word.  For  some  time 
the  body  was  constituted  of  messengers  from  associations  mainly. 
But  few  generally  attended,  and  but  little  comparatively  was 
done.  Two  or  three  missionaries  or  more  were  appointed,  fre- 
quently for  only  a  portion  of  the  year.  It  was  found  necessary  to 
adopt  a  change.  The  money  basis  was  introduced  It  was 
thought  to  be  fair  to  give  those  who  contributed  the  funds  the 


VALENTINE   M.  MASON.  49 

right  to  disburse  them.  This,  as  the  best  and  most  equitable  prin 
ciple  of  representation,  was  by  almost  all  approved,  and  a  wonder 
ful  change  in  the  condition  of  the  body  took  place.  The  numbe 
in  attendance  not  only  increased,  but  all  who  came  were  interested 
for  it  was  the  money  they  and  their  churches  had  contributed  the; 
were  required  to  distribute. 

These  beneficial  changes  in  the  frame-work  of  the  General  As 
sociation  were  warmly  espoused  by  Elder  Mason.  He  was  tin 
chairman  of  the  committee  on  constitutional  change,  appointed  ii 
1829,  when  the  meeting  occurred  in  Petersburg.  The  constitu 
tion  was  then  amended.  During  that  year  he  spent  seventy-eigh 
days  as  a  missionary  in  the  Counties  of  Pocahontas,  Bath,  am 
Greenbrier,  and,  by  request  of  the  Board,  between  two  and  thre< 
months  in  the  agency  work.  He  reported  that  the  change  oi 
sentiment  in  favor  of  the  work  going  on  in  the  churches  was  truli 
encouraging. 

Brother  Mason  received  the  next  year  the  appointment  ol 
general  agent,  and  commenced  a  series  of  self-denying  endeavors 
which  were  crowned  with  wonderful  success.  The  first  year,  IK 
remarks :  "  My  efforts  have  come  far,  far  short  of  my  wishes — 
perhaps  of  your  just  expectations,  but  they  were  made  with  all  mj 
heart.  The  union  of  our  brethren,  and  the  spread  of  the  gospe' 
through  the  State,  are  objects  dearly  cherished  by  me,  and  tc 
which,  one  way  or  another,  I  expect  to  devote  my  life.  My  solici- 
tude for  the  success  of  the  General  Association  arises  from  the 
conviction,  that  to  that  body  the  churches  must  look  for  thai 
union  which  will  most  effectually  counteract  the  more  dangerous 
because  more  specious,  infidelity,  that  has  so  much  troubled  the 
churches  under  the  Baptist  name." 

Another  year,  he  says:  "During  the  past  winter,  though  mud 
indisposed  in  consequence  of  exposure,  I  have  never  missed  ar 
appointment.  My  devotion  to  the  great  work  of  supplying  the 
destitution  of  Virginia  has  not  diminished."  The  year  following, 
the  Board  say :  "  The  labors  of  your  general  agent  have  been 
arduous  and  unremitted." 

Thus  he  continued,  until,  worn  down  by  the  extreme  severity  of 
his  labors,  it  was  necessary  to  resign  his  position.  Few,  if  any,  of 
the  ministers  of  that  day  passed  through  such  exposures,  and  wen 

VOL.  ii.  42 


494  VALENTINE   M.  MASON. 

subject  to  such  toils  as  fell  to  his  lot.  In  storms  and  sunshine, 
by  night  and  by  day,  he  pressed  on,  suffering  himself  to  take  little 
or  no  rest,  until  his  sturdy  frame  was  reduced  to  a  mere  skeleton. 
A  surviving  daughter  states  respecting  him  :  "  He  devoted  soul  and 
body  to  his  Master's  cause.  Asa  minister,  pastor,  and  agent  none 
really  knew  his  untiring  zeal  but  his  own  family  and  the  members 
of  his  churches.  He  was  never  known  to  disappoint  a  congrega- 
tion, unless  he  was  so  sick  as  to  be  unable  to  sit  upon  his  horse. 
Over  the  mountains  he  would  travel,  through  rain  and  snow,  and 
was  never  heard  to  complain.  I  have  known  him  to  leave  home 
for  a  month,  when  it  was  necessary  to  be  lifted  upon  his  horse. 
His  family  saw  and  knew  that  he  was  wearing  himself  out,  but 
could  not  persuade  him  to  desist,  such  was  his  anxiety  for  the 
glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  sinners.  The  interests  of  the 
General  Association  absorbed  his  whole  soul.  His  pecuniary 
sacrifices  for  its  sake  none  knew  but  ourselves.  No  worldly  or 
selfish  motive  was  ever  permitted  to  interfere  with  what  was 
esteemed  to  be  his  duty." 

This  testimony,  by  one  who  knew  so  well,  is  literally  true.  It  is 
doubtful  whether  any  of  our  brethren  in  the  foreign  field,  a  few 
cases  excepted,  have  passed  through  more  hardships,  or  sacrificed 
and  suffered  more  than  Valentine  M.  Mason.  It  was  the  same 
great  cause.  It  was  the  same  loved  Saviour.  He  in  this  land, 
and  others  in  heathen  lands,  were  alike  impelled  by  highest, 
holiest  impulses  in  their  cause  of  devotion. 

We  now  note  the  close  of  his  useful  career.  As  already  inti- 
mated, his  shattered  condition  of  health  gave  melancholy  warning 
of  his  approaching  departure  from  the  earth.  His  last  visit  to 
the  June  anniversaries  affected  many  hearts.  He  who  was  wont 
to  take  an  active  part  in  these  deliberations,  was  seen,  with  falter- 
ing step,  scarcely  able  to  sustain  his  emaciated  frame. 

During  his  last  illness  he  was  somewhat  depressed  from  a  know- 
ledge of  the  fact  that  he  was  about  to  leave  his  family  without 
suitable  provision  for  their  support.  But  from  all  his  fears  he 
was  at  length  delivered.  A  Christian  brother  remarks  :  "A  few 
days  before  his  demise,  while  surrounded  by  several  friends  in 
conversation,  he  lifted  his  emaciated  hands,  and  his  countenance 


VALENTINE   M.  MASON.  495 

brightened,  exclaiming,  'Happy,  happy  home !'  This  he  repeated 
several  times,  then  added,  'Heaven  smiles,  angels  smile,  Jesus 
smiles,  God  smiles.'  He  continued  in  this  happy  frame  of  mind 
some  time,  giving  vent  to  his  feelings  by  similar  expressions,  until 
his  strength  was  nearly  exhausted.  He  afterwards  said,  'God  is 
near,  his  arms  are  underneath  to  support  me.'" 

Thus  he  peacefully  passed  away  on  the  15th  of  July,  1843, 
being  sixty  years  of  age. 

The  following  references  to  his  talents  as  a  preacher,  and  to 
his  character,  are  from  the  senior  editor  of  the  Religious  Herald : 
"Elder  Mason  was  an  acceptable  preacher.  His  discourses  were 
methodical  and  instructive.  He  frequently  discussed  doctrinal 
subjects  with  clearness  and  ability.  Wherever  he  traveled  he  was 
heard  with  interest  and  attention.  He  used  sound  speech  which 
could  not  be  gainsayed. 

"Elder  Mason  was  strongly  attached  to  his  denomination — a 
firm  and  unwavering  Baptist.  Whatever  opinion  he  embraced, 
he  maintained  that  opinion  with  steadfastness.  In  his  intercourse 
with  other  denominations  he  was  courteous  and  urbane,  but 
would  never  yield  what  he  conceived  to  be  the  truth  to  gain 
popularity,  or  secure  the  good-will  of  his  fellow-men.  As  a  writer, 
especially  on  matters  of  practice,  his  productions  were  argument- 
ative and  clear,  and  they  always  secured  the  interest  and  respect 
of  his  readers ;  though  his  manner,  at  times,  exhibited  some 
degree  of  asperity.  His  firmness  in  maintaining  his  opinions, 
coupled  with  a  frank  and  positive  mode  of  expression,  offended, 
at  times,  some  of  his  brethren,  and  rendered  him  less  popular 
than  he  otherwise  would  have  been.  But  it  was  not  his  intention 
to  give  offence,  but  to  advocate  truth. 

"In  his  walk  and  conversation  he  was  upright,  circumspect,  and 
devout.  He  had  a  good  report  of  those  without.  As  a  husband, 
father,  friend,  his  example  was  worthy  of  all  respect.  He  was  a 
good  man,  an  able  minister  of  the  New  Testament,  and  an  inde- 
fatigable agent.  His  life  was  devoted  to  the  worthiest  purposes, 
and  the  services  he  has  rendered  to  the  Baptist  denomination 
will  cause  him  to  be  remembered  with  gratitude  by  the  present 
generation.  His  demise  is  a  loss  to  the  church  which  will  long 


496  CHARLES   F.  BURNLEY. 

be  felt.  We  sympathize  with  his  afflicted  family,  and  feel  with 
them,  that  we  have  lost  a  friend,  personally  endeared  to  us  by  a 
long  and  unreserved  intercourse.  He  has  left  several  children, 
two  of  them  in  the  distant  State  of  Louisiana. 


CHARLES    F.   BURNLEY. 

THIS  young  pastor  was  called  away  just  as  he  had  entered  upon 
a  career  of  usefulness,  full  of  hope  to  himself  and  of  promise  to 
the  churches.  Sadly  were  the  hearts  of  hundreds  afi'ected  as  the 
tidings  of  his  removal  fell  upon  their  ear. 

He  was  the  son  of  highly  respectable  parents  residing  in  Louisa 
County.  In  that  county  he  was  born,  JVIay  4th,  1813.  In  early 
childhood  he  evinced  remarkable  traits  of  character,  being  un- 
usually grave  and  circumspect.  He  maintained  even  then  the 
firmness  which  ever  after  characterized  him. 

How  far  his  peculiar  sedateness  may  have  been  caused  by  the 
death  of  his  mother  is  not  for  us  to  say.  She  died  when  he  was 
a  child.  No  trial  which  a  youth  can  suffer  is  to  be  compared  to 
the  loss  of  an  intelligent,  ardently  devoted  mother.  He  after- 
wards spent  most  of  his  time  with  an  uncle.  When  quite  a  boy 
he  was  the  subject  of  a  saving  change,  and  united  with  the  church 
at  South  Anna,  then  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  James  Fife. 
He  at  once  gave  promise  of  usefulness,  his  thoughts  leading  him 
to  the  ministry  as  a  work  which  God  would  have  him  perform. 
A  license  was  granted  by  the  church,  and  in  order  the  better  to 
qualify  him  for  that  great  work  he  entered  the  family  of  Rev.  Ed- 
ward Baptist,  of  Powhatan  County,  for  the  double  purpose  of 
teaching  and  receiving  instruction. 

He  remained  some  time  in  Powhatan  County,  prosecuting  his 
studies  with  marked  interest  and  success.  There  is  some  reason 
to  fear  that  his  physical  energies  were  too  much  tasked  by  exces- 
sive toil  in  the  school-room  by  day,  in  connection  with  wasting 
studies  at  night.  How  difficult  it  is  for  an  earnest-hearted  young 
minister,  having  a  taste  for  learning,  to  repress  and  moderate  his 


CHARLES   F.  BURNLEY.  497 

desires  for  a  too  speedy  accumulation  of  the  stores  of  know- 
ledge ! 

Having  obtained  a  good  degree  of  spiritual  and  classical  know- 
ledge, and  desiring  to  improve  in  address  and  the  power  of  inte- 
resting others  as  a  speaker,  an  appointment  as  missionary  of  the 
General  Association  was  accepted.  The  limits  of  the  Concord 
Association  became  his  field  of  labor,  and  he  entered  upon  it  with 
vigor. 

Before  his  entrance  upon  this  missionary  work  he  was  ordained 
at  the  church  with  which  he  first  became  identified.  The  presby- 
tery met  at  South  Anna  meeting-house,  on  Saturday,  the  7th  of 
November,  1835.  Elder  William  G.  Hiter  preached  the  sermon, 
a  solemn  charge  was  delivered  by  his  pastor,  Elder  James  Fife, 
and  the  ordaining  prayer  was  offered  by  Elder  Swift.  The  right 
hand  of  fellowship  was  given  by  the  ministers  and  followed  by  the 
entire  church.  Gladly  did  the  church  thus  commend  their  young, 
gifted  brother  to  God,  and  present  him  to  the  churches  as  worthy 
of  their  confidence. 

Having  gone  within  the  Concord  Association,  the  churches  of 
Mecklenburg,  perceiving  the  grace  of  God  which  was  in  him,  im- 
mediately extended  to  him  a  call  specially  to  serve  them.  He 
consented  upon  one  condition — that  he  should  be  permitted  to 
attend  a  course  of  study  in  Randolph  and  Macon  College,  situ- 
ated in  that  county.  This  condition  being  accepted,  he  com- 
menced and  passed  through  a  regular  course,  graduating  with 
distinction,  in  three  years.  During  this  period  he  served  four 
churches,  preaching  every  Sunday.  It  is  said  that  during  all  this 
time,  while  he  maintained  a  high  character  as  a  student,  his  ser- 
mons exhibited  a  depth  of  thought  worthy  of  a  long  experienced 
theologian. 

After  leaving  college,  he  married  Miss  Martha  I.  Jeffries, 
daughter  of  Captain  Jennings  M.  Jeffries,  of  Charlotte  County, 
and  settled  in  that  vicinity.  The  churches  he  served  during  his 
college  course  now  resolved  to  secure  his  services  permanently. 
Perhaps  no  young  man  has  ever  taken  a  stronger  hold  upon  the 
affections  of  a  people  than  did  he  in  his  entrance  upon  the  full 
work  of  the  ministry.  Among  all  classes  of  the  community  he 
was  popular  as  a  Christian  and  a  minister.  Crowds  pressed 

VOL.  n. — 2  o  42* 


498  CHARLES   F.  BURNLEY. 

together  to  hear  him,  and  the  strongest  promise  was  given  of  a 
long  life  of  usefulness.  Nor  was  his  popularity  and  influence  con- 
fined to  the  churches  at  Mecklenburg,  but  extended  through  all 
the  churches  of  the  Association.  He  was  soon  elected  Moderator 
of  the  Association,  and  continued  in  this  position  as  long  as  he 
lived,  presiding  with  marked  dignity  and  acceptance. 

After  laboring  seven  or  eight  years  in  these  several  churches, 
it  was  found  that  his  health  was  manifestly  declining.  It  became 
necessary  to  curtail  his  ministrations.  To  Mount  £ion  Church, 
in  Lunenburg  County,  which  with  the  others  he  served  eight 
years,  he  sent  an  affectionate  letter  of  resignation.  In  that  letter, 
presented  October,  1844,  he  says:  "I  have  now  been  laid  aside 
from  the  active  duties  of  the  ministry  four  months.  Whether  I 
shall  ever  recover  is  known  only  to  our  Heavenly  Father. 

"  In  giving  back  into  your  hands  the  authority  with  which  you 
have  clothed  me  as  your  pastor,  it  would  seem  a  fit  occasion  to 
call  attention  at  least  to  some  of  those  fundamental  truths  for 
which  we  have  been  together  contending.  It  must  suffice,  how- 
ever, to  say  briefly,  that  the  system  of  truth  embracing  the  doc- 
trine of  the  entire  depravity  of  man,  the  sovereignty  of  God, 
regeneration  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  justification  by  faith  in  the  name 
of  the  Son  of  God,  followed  by  deeds  of  righteousness  as  the 
fruits  of  that  state,  the  divine  faithfulness  in  the  fulfillment  of 
all  the  promises  of  the  New  Covenant,  the  certain  perseverance 
in  holiness  of  all  believers  unto  the  end,  the  special  providence 
of  God,  overruling  all  events,  great  and  small,  to  the  glory  of 
his  name  and  the  good  of  his  people, — in  a  word,  the  doctrine  of 
salvation  by  grace  alone,  through  faith,  is  richly  fraught  with  holy 
consolation  to  the  humble  believer.  These  doctrines,  with  others 
of  kindred  nature,  are  now  my  support.  And  whether  my  days 
are  many  or  few,  by  the  grace  of  God,  I  wish  to  remain  firm  in  the 
belief  of  them. 

"  Calling  to  mind  from  a  sick  bed  (and  with  the  prospect  of 
death  before  me)  the  doctrines  I  have  endeavored  to  teach,  while 
I  have  much  cause  to  regret  that  truths  of  such  great  importance 
have  been  so  imperfectly  and  unsuccessfully  inculcated,  it  has  been 
to  me  a  source  of  great  satisfaction  that  there  is  not  one  that  I 
would  recant." 


CHARLES   F.  BURNLEY.  49« 

With  reference  to  his  resignation,  and  in  review  of  his  connec- 
tion with  the  church  at  Mount  Zion,  a  brother,  remarks:  "This 
period  of  our  history  is  one  of  sweet  interest — so  full  of  the  recollec- 
tion of  pastoral  tenderness,  evangelical  preaching,  fraternal  asso- 
ciation, and  frequent  accessions  to  the  brotherhood.  With  grief 
we  observed  his  failing  health ;  and  when  his  resignation  was  ten- 
dered, a  committee  was  appointed  to  visit  him,  and  to  inform  him 
that  the  church  could  not  accept  his  resignation,  affectionately 
urging  him  to  remain  their  pastor  as  long  as  he  might  live.  Tc 
this  he  consented,  and  thus  the  relation  so  pleasant  to  him  and  the 
church  was  continued  until  his  death." 

Not  long  after  this  resignation  he  was  confined  to  his  chamber 
and  gradually  yielded  to  the  pressure  of  disease  until  the  12th  of 
January,  1844,  when  his  Divine  Master  called  him  to  the  rewards 
of  the  upper  world.  His  death  was  happy.  Nearly  his  lasl 
words  were,  "  That  great  day  will  surely  come,  and  I  shall  be  able 
to  stand." 

Notwithstanding  the  expectancy  of  this  event,  it  fell  with  stun- 
ning effect  upon  his  churches.  They  had  hung  upon  his  lips  foi 
instruction,  and  loved  him  with  most  ardent  attachment,  and  wher 
the  hemorrhage  from  which  he  suffered  terminated  fatally,  thej 
were  filled  with  almost  inconsolable  grief.  Almost  a  feeling  of 
complaint  was  cherished,  and  the  question  painfully  affected  matij 
hearts — why  could  not  one  so  eminently  qualified  by  mental  en- 
dowments, scholastic  training,  and  gracious  affections,  be  spared 
to  the  churches  ?  But  how  foolish  are  all  such  questionings.  The 
infinitely  wise  One  cannot  decide  erroneously ;  the  infinitely  right- 
eous One  will  not  swerve  from  the  principles  of  rectitude.  All 
his  administration,  as  the  Almighty  Sovereign,  is  right.  It  ma} 
well  be  said,  "  The  Lord  gave,  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  blessed 
be  the  name  of  the  Lord." 

This  able  minister  of  the  New  Testament  was  removed  from 
the  earth  in  the  thirty-second  year  of  his  age.  He  had  acquired, 
for  one  of  his  years,  a  wonderful  maturity  of  mind  and  character. 
"  He  wrote,"  as  one  who  knew  him  well  remarks,  "frequently  foi 
the  press ;  among  other  essays,  an  interesting  series  of  articles 
for  the  Baptist  Chronicle,  a  magazine  commenced  by  Rev.  Joseph 
S.  Baker."  He  left  behind  him  a  number  of  valuable  manuscript 


500  JAMES   LONGENACRE. 

sermons,   evincing  a  high   order  of  mind,  and    deep,  earnest 
piety. 

His  surviving  widow  has,  within  a  few  years,  followed  him 
to  the  grave.  He  left  two  children,  a  son  and  daughter.  May 
they  both  rise  up  to  serve  the  Master  whom  he  loved  and  obeyed ! 


JAMES    LONGENACRE. 

JAMES  LONGENACRE  was  born  in  Greenbrier  County,  Virginia, 
October  15th,  1820.  His  parents  were  in  ordinary  circumstances, 
rearing  their  family  on  a  small  farm.  When  he  was  six  years  old 
he  lost  his  father.  Finding  it  necessary  to  aid  in  the  support  of 
the  family,  his  early  years  were  passed  with  but  few  scholastic 
advantages.  In  1841  he  placed  himself  under  the  tuition  of  Rev. 
Lewis  A.  Alderson,  then  conducting  a  school  at  Union,  Monroe 
County.  Enjoying  his  instructions,  he  afterwards  became  an 
assistant  in  the  school,  and  at  length  took  charge  of  a  school  on 
his  own  responsibility.  Up  to  the  year  1845  he  alternately 
attended  and  taught  school,  devoting  himself  diligently  to  the 
acquisition  of  knowledge.  He  seemed,  from  early  boyhood,  am- 
bitious to  excel  in  the  cultivation  of  his  mental  powers,  and  this 
desire  was  only  strengthened  by  growing  years. 

A  conformity  to  the  principles  of  sound  morality  distinguished 
his  days  of  childhood  and  youth.  But  no  special  religious  influ- 
ence was  enjoyed  until  the  year  1844.  He  was  at  this  time  enjoy- 
ing the  counsel  and  instruction  of  several  devoted  ministers, 
through  whom  he  was  led  to  a  knowledge  of  salvation  by  faith  in 
Christ.  On  the  27th  of  April,  1844,  he  was  received  into  the 
fellowship  of  the  church  at  Alderson's  Meeting-house,  and  the 
next  day  was  baptized.  A  few  days  afterwards  he  speaks  of 
attending  a  prayer-meeting,  and  of  opening  his  mouth  for  the  first 
time  in  public  prayer.  In  June  a  prayer-meeting  was  conducted 
by  him,  and  he  refers  to  his  embarrassment  arising  from  the  pre- 
sence of  several  young  associates.  At  the  same  time,  he  alludes 
to  a  strong  impression  of  duty  with  reference  to  the  ministry.  In 


JAMES   LONGENACRE.  501 

his  private  journal,  he  remarks:  "I  feel  my  own  weakness  and 
want  of  qualification ;  that  I  have  more  need  of  a  teacher  than  a 
teacher's  office."  He  refers  also  to  the  fact  that  he  had  already 
expended  most  of  his  means  in  prosecuting  his  studies,  and  was 
much  involved  in  his  pecuniary  affairs. 

Toward  the  close  of  this  year,  he  reached  the  conclusion  defi- 
nitely that  duty  required  the  future  of  life  to  be  consecrated  to  the 
ministerial  work.  He  says:  "I  have  been  tossed  to  and  fro  by 
contending  thoughts,  being  unsettled  as  to  what  course  I  should 
take.  I  now  decide,  that,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  I  will  prepare 
for  the  ministry.  I  am  a  poor,  frail  mortal.  I  will  place  all  my 
hope  in  Him,  whose  service  I  have  entered."  He  afterwards 
speaks  of  visiting  Rev.  L.  A.  Alderson,  to  consult  him  as  to  books 
he  should  read,  obtaining  from  him  a  copy  of  Home's  Introduc- 
tion and  a  Greek  Testament.  He  refers  also  to  the  beneficial 
influence  received  from  Rev.  William  G.  Margrave.  It  is  not 
easy  to  decide  how  strongly  the  character  of  a  young  minister 
may  be  developed  for  good,  under  the  guidance  and  tuition  of  the 
more  experienced  of  his  brethren. 

His  first  attempt  in  the  delivery  of  a  sermon  was  made  on  the 
10th  of  February,  1845.  An  arrangement  was  made,  at  the  close 
of  his  school  in  April,  to  accompany  his  more  aged  Brother  Mar- 
grave in  a  series  of  appointments,  for  the  purpose  of  improving 
his  gifts  as  a  speaker.  He  thus  continued,  teaching  school  and 
preaching,  as  opportunity  offered,  until  some  time  in  1846.  He 
was  also  resolutely  devoting  all  his  leisure  hours  in  the  general 
cultivation  of  his  mind,  and  especially  in  the  enlargement  of  his 
theological  knowledge.  During  this  period,  his  mind  was  seriously 
exercised  on  the  question  of  devoting  himself  to  the  service  of  a 
missionary  among  the  Indians.  The  leadings  of  Providence,  how- 
ever, brought  him  into  connection  with  the  churches  of  Halifax 
County,  and  in  the  early  part  of  1847  we  find  him  there  plea- 
santly and  usefully  at  work.  His  ordination  to  the  full  work  of 
the  ministry  occurred  January  12,  1848,  at  the  Female  Academy, 
near  Arbor  Meeting-house ;  the  attending  presbytery  were  Elders 
William  M.  Gaskins,  John  L.  Prichard,  S.  G.  0 'Bryan,  and  John 
G.  Mills. 

He  had  now  commenced,  under  favorable  circumstances,  the 


502  JAMES   LONGENACRE. 

solemn  employ  of  watching  over  the  people  of  God,  and  of  warn- 
ing statedly  his  fellow-men  to  escape  the  wrath  to  come.  His 
brethren  were  looking  hopefully  to  a  long  course  of  usefulness. 
But  the  Divine  Master  had  other  designs  respecting  him.  After 
laboring  in  Halifax  County  about  three  years,  he  was  suddenly 
called  to  his  home  above.  During  the  months  of  September  and 
October,  1850,  he  was  incessantly  employed,  preaching  day  and 
night,  with  evident  tokens  of  the  blessing  of  God.  He  was 
arrested  by  a  violent  attack  of  bilious  fever,  at  the  residence  of 
Eev.  William  H.  Plunkett.  During  his  sickness  he  was  peaceful, 
yea,  happy ;  being  willing  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ.  He  said : 
"  Not  a  cloud  is  between  me  and  my  Maker,  and  if  it  be  his  will  I 
am  ready  to  go."  He  calmly  made  all  arrangements  of  an  earthly 
nature,  and  yielded  himself  into  the  hands  of  his  Redeemer.  His 
death  occurred  on  Lord's  day,  October  20th,  1850. 

What  were  the  feelings  of  his  many  brethren  in  all  that  region, 
when  the  tidings  of  his  removal  reached  their  ears,  and  what  was 
the  estimate  they  placed  upon  his  character  and  labors,  may  be 
gathered  from  the  following  statement  by  one  who  knew  him  inti- 
mately : — 

"  I  feel  incompetent  to  do  his  many  virtues  that  justice  they 
deserve.  It  would  not  be  enough  to  say,  that  all  who  knew  him 
loved  him.  If  he  had  an  enemy  among  the  virtuous  or  intelligent 
of  the  community  where  he  has  lived  and  preached  for  the  last 
three  years,  I  have  yet  to  learn  who  that  enemy  was.  He  was 
never  known  to  speak  evil  of  any  one.  It  was  by  his  soft  and 
gentle  manners,  by  a  uniform  deportment  to  the  high  and  the  low, 
that  secured  for  him  the  respect  and  attachment  of  all  who  knew 
him.  As  &  friend,  he  was  always  ready  to  counsel,  instruct,  and 
give  aid  where  he  saw  aid  was  needed.  As  an  associate,  he  was 
equally  the  companion  of  the  old  and  the  young.  As  a  Christian, 
he  was  a  man  of  the  deepest  piety.  As  a  minister,  he  was  the 
most  popular  in  this  region  of  country,  and  his  popularity  was  so 
great  that  he  could  not  supply  the  "pulpits  of  all  the  churches 
which  desired  his  labors.  For  some  time  he  had  been  supplying 
five  pulpits,  and  to  the  labors  and  fatigues  of  supplying  the  vari- 
ous calls  that  were  made  upon  him,  may  be  attributed  the  disease 
which  brought  on  his  death.  As  a  pastor,  he  was  firm  and  inflex- 


JAMES   LOXGENACRE.  503 

ible  in  the  discharge  of  what  was  his  duty,  while  he  was  always 
mild  and  persuasive  toward  those  who  fell  under  the  discipline  of 
his  churches.  He  was  never  hasty  or  impulsive  in  anything.  He 
seemed  always  distressed  when  a  necessity  occurred  for  dealing 
with  a  member  of  his  churches. 

"For  about  eight  weeks  previous  to  his  death  he  had  preached 
something  like  an  average  of  eight  or  ten  sermons  per  week,  in 
addition  to  many  impressive  exhortations,  and  had  baptized  a 
large  number  of  persons  in  the  last  few  months ;  and,  had  he 
lived,  would  have  baptized  a  large  number  of  Others  in  a  few  days 
at  his  different  churches.  At  all  of  his  churches  there  had  been 
considerable  additions,  and  a  deep  and  solemn  interest  seemed  to 
pervade  his  congregations  generally. 

"Brother  Longenacre  was  a  man  of  the  deepest  piety,  and 
modesty  in  him  was  a  fault.  His  amiable  disposition,  coupled 
with  his  fondness  for  children,  won  for  him  their  affection  and 
confidence  wherever  he  was  known.  In  the  family  where  he 
boarded  at  the  time  of  his  death,  he  had  so  won  the  affections  of 
the  children  that  he  never  returned  home  that  they  did  not  run  to 
meet  him  before  he  reached  the  yard  ;  and  it  was  affecting  to  see 
those  of  them  who  were  old  enough  to  know  what  death  was, 
when  they  were  told  he  was  dead  ;  their  countenances  fell,  and 
their  little  hearts  seemed  full  to  overflowing,  and  tears  flowed 
down  the  cheeks  of  a  little  boy  who  loved  him  dearly. 

"As  a  pastor  and  Christian,  he  had  the  entire  confidence  of  his 
churches  and  congregations,  and  they  deeply  feel  their  loss.  His 
death  cast  a  gloom  over  the  whole  community,  which  it  is  impos- 
sible to  describe.  The  inquiry  is  made — who  can  supply  his  place  ? 
One  so  well  suited  to  the  wants  of  the  churches  over  which  he 
presided  will  be  hard  to  find,  for  few  such  men,  taking  everything 
into  consideration,  can  be  found  in  our  country.  He,  though  not 
a  great  preacher,  was  acceptable  to  all ;  and  few  ministers  have 
ever  lived  who  possessed  a  character  so  acceptable  to  his  churches 
and  congregations.  If  there  were  objections  to  him,  they  were 
unknown  to  the  writer.  His  character  was  as  near  a  perfect  one 
as  often  falls  to  the  lot  of  erring  mortals." 


504  Z.  JETER   GEORGE. 


Z.  JETER   GEORGE. 

NOTHING  more  painfully  illustrates  the  exceeding  uncertainty 
of  human  arrangements  and  expectations,  than  the  sudden  death 
of  a  well-educated,  godly  minister,  who  has  just  entered  upon 
a  career  of  usefulness.  When  the  young,  loved,  and  devoted 
JETER  GEORGE  was  called  away  from  the  earth,  deep  sighs  were 
heaved  by  many  a  bosom,  and  tears  flowed  from  many  an  eye. 
A  more  appropriate  tribute  to  his  worth  cannot  perhaps  be  pre- 
pared than  the  following,  from  the  pen  of  his  intimate  friend, 
Rev.  George  B.  Taylor.  Introductory  to  this  sketch  it  may  be 
stated  that  he  was  born  in  Lancaster  County,  Virginia,  February 
4th,  1831.  He  lost  his  parents  in  early  age.  In  August,  1848, 
he  was  brought  to  a  joyful  knowledge  of  Christ ;  on  the  20th  of 
September,  of  the  same  year,  he  was  baptized  by  Rev.  Addison 
Hall.  The  early  part  of  the  next  year  he  became  a  student  of 
Richmond  College.  We  give  place  to  the  record  which  his  asso- 
ciate has  furnished  : — 

My  acquaintance  with  Z.  J.  George  commenced  early  in  the 
year  1849,  when,  by  his  entrance  at  Richmond  College,  we  be- 
came fellow-students.  He  had  not  then  decided  to  preach,  but 
was  considering  the  question,  and  was  full  of  plans  for  improve- 
ment and  usefulness.  His  character  for  diligence  and  Christian 
deportment,  while  at  the  College,  was  exemplary. 

He  graduated  in  1853,  by  which  time  he  had,  after  prolonged 
and  severe  struggles,  decided  to  devote  himself  to  the  ministry  of 
the  gospel.  This  decision  once  reached,  he  not  only  did  not  look 
back,  but  he  gave  himself,  body  and  soul,  with  ardor  and  earnest- 
ness to  his  work. 

In  the  autumn  of  1853,  he  matriculated  at  the  University  of 
Virginia,  and  in  connection  with  his  attendance  on  lectures, 
preached  occasiofially  to  churches  in  the  country.  During  the 
session,  afflicted  with  severe  headaches,  to  which  till  the  close  of 
his  life  he  was  subject,  he  was  compelled  to  seek  a  respite  from 
his  student  labors.  On  his  way  to  his  home  in  Lancaster,  he 


Z.  JETER   GEORGE.  505 

stopped  at  Fredericksburg,  where  a  most  interesting  meeting  was 
in  progress  in  the  Baptist  church.  Dr.  Broaddus  was  sick,  and 
there  was  little  other  ministerial  aid.  Jeter  George  was  pressed 
into  service,  and  for  a  number  of  days  preached  to  large  and 
solemn  congregations.  I  well  remember  a  letter  written  at  that 
time  to  a  fellow-student,  in  which  he  refers  humbly,  yet  with  ex- 
ulting joy,  to  the  blessed  work  in  which  he  was  engaged.  From 
that  meeting  Jeter  George  was  enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  the 
Fredericksburg  Baptists,  while  doubtless,  as  the  result  of  his  labors 
on  that  occasion,  there  are  not  a  few  who,  in  eternity,  will  call  the 
Redeemer  blessed. 

In  1854  Brother  George,  now  an  ordained  minister,  resumed 
his  studies  at  the  University  of  Virginia,  and  succeeded  the  writer 
in  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Mountain  Plain  Church,  about  ten 
miles  west  of  the  institution.  Owing  both  to  his  desire  to  work, 
and  to  the  state  of  his  health,  which  forbade  intense  application 
to  study,  he  devoted  much  time  and  labor  to  his  church ;  and  he 
was  permitted  to  see  gratifying  results,  both  in  the  addition  of 
new  members,  and  even  more  in  the  development  of  the  energies 
of  his  people.  By  his  energetic  efforts  a  Sabbath-school  was 
originated  and  vigorously  sustained ;  a  result  attempted  before 
and  finally  despaired  of.  He  was  in  the  habit  of  attending  the 
Sabbath-school  himself,  and  taking  part  in  the  exercises,  and  this 
not  only  on  his  preaching  days,  but  on  other  Sabbaths  as  well.  In 
this  field,  as  indeed  everywhere  he  went,  Brother  George  mani- 
fested a  peculiar  interest  for  the  young,  and  a  corresponding  ability 
to  interest  them  and  to  secure  their  love. 

Some  time  during  this  year,  there  appeared  in  the  True  Union 
a  morbid  article  from  the  pen  of  the  writer  of  this  notice.  To 
this  article  Brother  George  referred  in  a  private  letter  to  the 
writer.  As  illustrating  the  feelings  of  Brother  George,  both  the 
article  and  the  reply  are  given.  The  former  was  entitled, 

"  My  House. — I  have  no  house  now ;  I  do  not  know  that  I  ever 
shall  have ;  i.e.  of  the  sort  which  men  love  so  to  build  and  to  live 
in ;  though,  I  confess,  I  often,  in  my  thoughts,  rear  such  a  one. 

"But  there  is  a  'house  appointed'  for  ine,  though  I  do  not 
know  in  what  part  of  the  world  it  is,  or  when  I  shall  become  its 
occupant. 

VOL.  n.  43 


506  Z.  JETER  GEORGE. 

"  It  is  scarcely  so  high  as  my  head,  but  that  matters  not,  since 
I  shall  never  want  to  stand  up  in  it.  It  is  dark,  for  there  are  no 
windows  to  admit  the  sun,  and  candles  and  fires  are  never  lighted. 
It  has  but  one  room,  and  that  not  long  nor  wide.  It  has  no  door, 
for  when  once  I  go  in  I  shall  not  come  out  again.  I  shall  occupy 
it  alone.  Alas !  no ;  solitude  were  a  boon  indeed.  A  thousand 
worms  shall  be  my  fellow-lodgers.  A  silent  house  !  The  howling 
storm,  the  pattering  rain,  the  din  of  business, — none  of  these  shall 
reach  my  ear.  A  peaceful  house  !  There  this  head,  which  has 
ached  so  often,  shall  ache  no  more.  Most  probably  my  house  is 
not  alone,  but  is  one  of  many  tenements  in  some  great,  silent  city. 
Reader,  a  house  like  this  awaits  thee  also." 

Brother  George's  reference  to  the  above  is  as  follows : — 

"I  read  your  touching  words  about  'My  House.'  My  dear 
brother,  they  cause  me  to  think  of  another  house,  (which  I  trust 
may  be  ours,)  whose  dimensions  no  man  can  know,  for  it  is  'not 
made  with  hands.'  It  is  not  a  house  with  one  room,  for  it  has 
'many  mansions.'  It  is  not  a  dark  house,  for  the  Sun  of  Right- 
eousness shines  there  in  all  his  richness.  I  don't  know  about  the 
doors  and  windows ;  but  when  we  get  there  I  suppose  we  will 
never  wish  to  come  out.  Its  inhabitants  are  not  creeping  worms, 
but  bright  angels,  and  the  sanctified  of  God,  who  have  been  made 
pure  by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  The  Maker  and  Builder  of  that 
house  is  God,  and  the  family  name  is  heaven  1  May  we  not,  my 
brother,  call  this  Our  House  ?" 

The  succeeding  session,  Brother  George  made  the  University 
his  home,  while  he  devoted  himself  almost  entirely  to  theological 
studies  (pursued  with  Elder  John  A.  Broaddus)  and  to  pastoral 
labors.  He  retained  the  care  of  the  Mountain  Plain  Church,  and 
assumed  also  that  of  Berea,  Louisa.  The  people  of  the  latter 
were  soon  won  and  bound  to  him,  and  his  labors  in  their  midst 
were  both  acceptable  and  useful.  A  letter  received  from  him 
during  this  year,  in  which  he  referred  to  his  studies,  told  how  he 
was  meeting  and  grappling  with  those  great  questions  of  theology 
which  meet  and  trouble  every  man  who  thinks  at  all,  and  which 
can  only  be  resolved  when  upon  the  knees.  He  seemed  to  have 
learned  thus  to  study  them. 

In  May,  185T,  we  attended  the  convention  in  Louisville,  and 


Z.  JETER   GEORGE.  50' 

were  thrown  much  together,  and  I  learned  to  form  a  higher  esti 
mate  of  his  character  than  ever  before.  Indeed,  from  that  tirn< 
our  acquaintance,  before  pleasant,  ripened  into  close  and  endear 
ing  friendship.  He  was  I  believe,  to  some  extent,  morbidly  sensi 
tive — a  trait  which  the  writer  can  better  sympathize  with  thai 
blame — but  he  was,  when  well  understood,  found  to  be  indeed  i 
generous,  hearty  friend.  During  our  association  together  ii 
Louisville,  I  was  much  impressed  by  his  disposition  to  speak  will 
unconverted  persons  on  personal  religion,  and  by  his  happy  man 
ner  of  securing  their  good-will  and  then  introducing  the  subject 
We  were  with  a  number  of  lively  young  ladies,  and  I  remembe 
that  my  first  thought  was  that  Jeter  had  entered  too  much  int< 
their  conversation  ;  but  I  subsequently  was  led  to  believe  that  hi 
was  really  aiming,  and  not  without  prospect  of  success,  to  do  then 
good.  A  few  weeks  before  his  death,  he  told  me  of  a  letter  re 
ceived  from  one  of  those  young  ladies,  in  which,  to  some  of  hi 
earnest  inquiries,  she  replied  that  she  could  not  be  indifferent  ti 
her  own  soul,  when  he,  a  stranger,  had  manifested  such  anxiety  fo 
its  salvation. 

In  the  fall  of  1857,  Brother  George  assumed  the  charge  of  th 
Manchester  Church,  which  he  had  at  the  time  of  his  death.  '. 
could,  from  personal  knowledge,  speak  of  the  spirit  with  whicl 
Brother  George  commenced  and  continued  his  labors  there,  as  w 
conferred  frequently,  both  by  letter  and  in  conversation ;  but  '. 
prefer  to  give  the  words  of  Brother  George  J.  Summer,  vho  wa 
a  colaborer  in  Manchester,  who  dearly  loved  him,  and  was  mucl 
with  him  till  the  time  of  his  death.  He  says : — 

"  Our  late  much  beloved  brother  entered  upon  his  work  at  Man 
Chester  about  the  1st  of  October,  1857.  At  that  time  other  field 
of  labor  were  open  to  him  ;  some  of  them  much  more  inviting,  a 
regards  personal  ease,  comfort,  and  pleasure,  but  none  promisinj 
greater  usefulness  than  Manchester ;  and  his  single  inquiry  in  th 
selection  seemed  to  be — where  can  I  accomplish  most  for  th 
cause  of  Christ  ?  Expecting  many  discouragements  and  sever 
toil  in  this  new  and  neglected  field,  he  seemed  to  enter  upon  hi 
labors  as  pastor,  determined  to  wear  himself  out,  if  need  be,  tha 
he  might  win  souls  to  Christ.  The  new  meeting-house  he  foum 
only  partially  built,  and  the  work  going  on  very  slowly.  He  a 


508  2-  JETER   GEORGE. 

once  pressed  on  to  finish  the  basement,  advancing  his  own  private 
means  and  pledging  his  credit,  and  was  judiciously,  but  with  untir- 
ing energy,  arranging  to  set  on  foot  subscriptions  to  pay  the  build- 
ing debt  of  the  church. 

"  It  did  not  require  any  great  length  of  time  for  Brother  George 
to  become  well  acquainted  with  the  citizens  where  he  lived.  All 
classes  shared  his  attentions ;  and  when  the  basement  was  com- 
pleted large  and  attentive  congregations  were  ready  to  attend 
upon  his  preaching,  and  he  became  a  universal  favorite.  The 
Sunday-school  soon  became  large  and  interesting,  and  through 
his  influence  and  labors  many  young  persons  were  interested  in  it 
and  became  both  scholars  and  teachers.  He  regularly  taught, 
when  at  home,  a  large  Bible-class,  and  always  took  as  much  in- 
terest, and  performed  more  labor,  than  any  one  else  connected 
with  it.  I  have  often  known  him  to  teach  his  class,  explain  the 
lesson  for  half  an  hour  to  all  the  school,  preach  in  the  morning, 
attend  a  church  or  teachers'  meeting  in  the  afternoon,  and  preach 
again  at  night,  on  the  Sabbath ;  and  those  who  knew  and  heard 
him,  can  testify  with  what  deep  earnestness  he  spoke.  His  health 
could  not  stand  such  unremitting  toil,  and  his  constitution,  natu- 
rally weak,  was  giving  way. 

"  Brother  George  had  been,  for  two  weeks  previous  to  his  sick- 
ness, holding  prayer-meetings  with  his  church  every  night,  deliver- 
ing a  short  lecture,  and  exhorting  the  brethren  to  '  come  up  to  the 
help  of  the  Lord.'  Having  secured  the  aid  of  brethren  W.  Tyree 
and  A.  E.  Dickinson,  a  protracted  meeting  was  commenced  on 
Monday  night ;  by  Wednesday  night  the  meeting  had  become 
deeply  interesting,  and  eight  or  ten  persons  went  forward  for 
prayer.  Brother  George  was  taken  with  a  violent  chill,  and 
obliged  to  leave  the  meeting.  He  went  home,  never  to  return. 
He  had  delivered  his  last  message,  and  was  soon  to  meet  the 
Master  for  whose  cause  he  so  faithfully  labored.  His  last  sermon 
was  preached  on  Sunday  night,  from  Isaiah  lv.  6  :  '  Seek  ye  the 
Lord  while  he  may  be  found,  call  ye  upon  him  while  he  is  near.' 
I  had  never  heard  him  preach  with  so  much  power  as  upon  this 
occasion ;  his  whole  soul  seemed  to  be  engaged,  and  the  effect 
upon  his  congregation  was  great.  Eyes  unused  to  weeping  were 
filled  with  tears ;  and  this  text  is  never  quoted  to  these  people  now 


Z.  JETER  GEORGE.  508 

without  producing  deep  feeling.  His  physicians  soon  pronounced 
his  disease  'typhoid  pneumonia,'  in  its  most  malignant  form,  and 
iii  a  few  days  none  of  his  friends  were  permitted  to  see  him  but 
his  attendants.  He  seemed,  from  the  first  of  his  sickness,  to  think 
he  would  not  recover,  and  though  his  friends  tried  to  encourage 
him  to  hope  that  his  Master  had  more  work  for  him  to  do  on 
earth,  he  expressed  himself  very  decidedly  that  he  would  not  get 
well.  Though  he  suffered  intensely,  he  was  always  cheerful,  re- 
signed, and  happy. 

"  Sometimes,  when  his  pain  was  relieved,  he  would  sing  some 
favorite  hymn,  and  talk  of  his  desire  to  be  reconciled  to  God's 
will.  The  instructions  of  his  physicians  were  so  peremptory  thai 
he  was  not  to  converse,  that  /  had  no  connected  conversation 
with  him  in  reference  to  dying,  but  have  often,  when  he  was  too 
weak  to  speak,  found  his  lips  moving  in  prayer.  At  one  time 
during  his  sickness,  strong  hopes  were  entertained  of  his  recovery ; 
he  was  pronounced  even  convalescent ;  and  his  brother  and  friend, 
(Dr.  Flippo,)  who  were  with  him,  both  left  for  home,  thinking  he 
would  soon  be  well.  But  God,  in  his  infinite  wisdom,  decreed 
otherwise,  and  in  a  few  days  he  was  seen  to  be  sinking  rapidly.  1 
was  with  him  in  his  last  hours,  but  not  in  time  to  receive  a  part- 
ing word ;  he  could  not  speak,  though  by  signs  recognized  his 
friends  ;  he  lived  through  the  night,  gradually  sinking,  and  about 
daylight  in  the  morning  sweetly  fell  asleep  in  Jesus. 

"  His  funeral  sermon  was  preached  in  the  church  of  which  he 
was  pastor,  by  Dr.  Burrows,  to  an  immense  congregation,  from 
these  words,  1  Chronicles,  xxviii.  2 :  '  I  had  in  mine  heart  to  build 
an  house  of  rest  for  the  ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  and  for 
the  footstool  of  our  God,  and  had  made  ready  for  the  building. 
But  God  said  unto  me,  Thou  shalt  not  build  a  house  for  my  name.1 
His  remains  were  conveyed  to  Lancaster,  his  native  county,  and 
there  interred  in  the  family  burying-ground  at  the  old  homestead. 
May  you  and  I,  my  dear  brother,  so  live  that  we  may  meet  him  in 
that  heavenly  home  where  he  rests  from  his  labors.  '  May  I  die 
the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  may  my  last  end  be  like  his.'  The 
estimation  in  which  our  departed  brother  was  held  was  plainly 
shown  on  the  day  of  his  funeral,  by  the  whole  community  where 
he  lived.  There  are  many  poor,  neglected  people  in  Manchester ; 

43* 


510  JOHN   S.  ABELL. 

from  many  an  humble  dwelling  might  be  seen  those  whom  he  had 
visited,  weeping  bitterly,  and  mourning  the  loss  of  one  who  had 
shown  his  interest  in  their  welfare.  Children,  in  groups,  might 
have  been  seen  standing  on  the  streets,  with  sad  countenances  and 
tearful  eyes,  as  the  mournful  procession  moved  along.  He  has 
gone  to  his  heavenly  home,  and  doubtless  our  Lord  has  pro- 
nounced him  blessed — '  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,'  etc. ;  and 
he  has  heard  the  welcome  invitation  to  inherit  the  'kingdom.'  I 
would  that  I  had  the  full  history  of  this  beloved  friend.  I  loved 
him  as  a  man,  as  a  friend,  as  a  Christian,  as  a  faithful,  sincere, 
and  laborious  minister  of  Christ.  May  more,  of  his  spirit  and 
devotion,  be  raised  up  from  among  the  young  men  of  our  land." 
As  Brother  George's  remains  were  being  carried  to  their  last 
resting-place  at  Lancaster,  they  were  met  at  Fredericksburg  by  a 
number  of  young  brethren,  and  escorted  to  the  boat.  The  church 
there  felt  his  death  to  be  a  personal  affliction.  As  the  funeral 
cortege  nearcd  the  early  home  of  our  deceased  brother,  his  death 
became,  for  the  first  time,  known  to  the  people.  It  was  indeed 
affecting  to  see  one  and  another  neighbor  ask,  "  What  is  all  this?" 
and,  on  being  informed,  burst  into  tears.  One  calm  afternoon, 
weeping,  loving  friends,  laid  his  form  in  its  last  resting-place.  It 
is  a  beautiful  coincidence  that  this,  his  earthly  grave,  is  within  a 
few  yards  of  the  spot  where  he  was  "  buried  with  Christ  in  bap- 
tism." As  from  the  liquid  tomb  he  rose  "unto  newness  of  life," 
so  shall  he,  from  his  earthly  tomb,  in  the  resurrection  morning, 
rise  to  immortal  bloom  and  blessedness. 


JOHN    S.  ABELL. 

THE  following  has  been  kindly  prepared  by  Rev.  John  A. 
Broaddus : — 

JOHN  S.  ABELL  was  born  in  Orange  County,  Virginia,  February 
2,  1781,  removed  to  Albemarle  County  in  1805,  where  he  died, 
near  Charlotte  ville,  May  12,  1859. 

At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  professed  conversion,  under  the  preach- 


JOHN   S.  ABELL.  51 

ing  of  Leland,  and  the  influence  of  a  pious  relative,  a  lady.  Hi 
father,  being  a  high-churchman,  was  greatly  opposed  to  anythinj 
like  a  profession  of  religion,  and  especially  to  Baptist  opinions 
The  pious  lady,  his  relative,  had  no  idea  that  a  boy  of  fiftee: 
could  be  a  Christian,  and  discouraged  his  disposition  to  make  a: 
open  profession,  telling  him  that  God  had  commenced  a  gooi 
work  in  him  and  would  carry  it  on,  and  he  must  wait.  Uiide 
such  influences,  it  was  not  until  1808,  after  his  removal  to  Albe 
marie,  that  he  was  baptized  by  Father  Burgher,  in  connection  wit) 
the  Pine  Grove  Church. 

From  the  commencement  of  his  religious  life  he  was  zealou 
and  faithful  in  private  labors  for  the  salvation  of  souls.  This  wa 
especially  remarked  during  the  war  of  1812.  Being  a  soldier  a 
Camp  Carter,  twelve  miles  below  Richmond,  he  would  have  praye 
and  reading  of  the  Scriptures  every  night  in  the  tent,  and  a  publl 
prayer-meeting  for  the  soldiers  twice  a  week.  In  these  he  exhortet 
with  great  earnestness.  Very  soon  he  came  to  be  called  th 
preacher,  and  the  captain  of  his  company  on  one  occasion  reporte< 
to  the  officer  in  command,  that  he  had  a  Baptist  preacher  drilling 
a  dancing-master.  His  health  failing,  so  as  to  compel  him  t( 
leave  camp,  the  captain  declared  that  of  the  many  who  had  lef 
there  was  none  for  whom  he  felt  so  much  respect.  Facts  lit 
these  need  no  comment. 

In.  the  period  immediately  following  the  war,  he  became  greatly 
distressed  at  the  vast  amount  of  ignorance  and  dissipation  exist 
ing  in  the  neighborhood,  and  about  the  year  1820  he  establishec 
prayer-meetings  at  different  places,  often  at  private  houses,  o 
under  arbors,  where,  with  solemn  earnestness,  indeed  with  man; 
tears,  he  would  urge  his  neighbors  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come 
He  spoke  as  one  impressed  with  the  idea  that  he  was  speciall; 
called  to  warn  sinners.  The  impression  made  by  these  labors  wa 
deep  and  general.  Ere  long,  there  was  a  marked  improvemen 
in  the  habits  of  the  people,  a  diminution  of  Sabbath-breaking 
drunkenness,  and  the  like  ;  and  at  length  a  revival  was  enjoyed 
during  which  many  of  his  neighbors  were  brought  into  the  church 

About  this  time  he  was  licensed  to  preach  the  gospel,  and  wa 
ordained  in  1824.  He  then  extended  his  labors,  preaching  ever 
Lord's  day.  A  man  of  very  limited  attainments,  and  no  remark 


512  MELANCTHON   L.  CREATE. 

able  power  of  intellect,  the  elements  of  his  influence  and  success 
appear  to  have  been,  on  the  one  hand,  a  singular  familiarity  with 
the  text  of  Scripture,  from  which  he  would  quote  with  extraor- 
dinary facility  and  at  great  length ;  and  on  the  othej,  his  force 
of  character  and  fervor  in  exhortation,  seconded  by  a  consistent 
life. 

The  practice  of  constantly  introducing  religion  into  conversa- 
tion, with  a  naturalness,  too,  which  showed  that  it  was  just  the 
overflowings  of  a  full  heart,  and  of  making  frequent  appeals  to 
individuals  in  private,  was  kept  up  to  the  end  of  life.  No  one 
could  have  a  few  minutes'  casual  talk  with  him  anywhere,  without 
feeling  that  here  was  a  man  to  whom  religion  was  a  living  and 
precious  reality.  Various  professors  of  the  University,  for  ex- 
ample, have  been  heard  to  speak  with  hearty  admiration  of  the 
old  man's  excellence  of  character  and  devoted  piety. 

Elder  Abell  felt  always  a  deep  interest  in  the  religious  instruc- 
tion of  his  servants,  and  gave  to  it  much  special  attention.  He 
took  hold  of  the  first  movements  in  favor  of  temperance,  and  con- 
tinued throughout  to  be  a  warm  advocate  of  that  cause. 

While  deeply  conscious  of  his  own  sinfulness,  he  had  clear  views 
of  the  plan  of  salvation,  including  the  perfect  security  of  the  re- 
deemed. A  high  Calvinist  in  doctrinal  opinion,  he  was  so  urgent 
in  exhorting  sinners  that  a  young  man  once  said  that  he  was  a 
good  Calvinist  for  half  of  his  sermon,  while  the  other  half  would 
do  credit,  in  matter  and  manner,  to  a  thorough  Methodist. 

A  protracted  and  painful  illness  was  borne  by  him  patiently; 
and  the  close  of  his  long  and  useful  life  was  serene  as  the  sunset, 
whose  departing  light  fell  upon  us  as  we  stood  round  his  grave. 


MELANCTHON    L.   CREATH. 

MELANCTHON  LUTHER  CREATH  was  a  native  of  Mecklenburg 
County,  Virginia.  He  was  the  son  of  Rev.  William  and  Lucretia 
Creath,  and  was  born  February  4,  1814.  In  early  life  he  was  left, 
by  the  death  of  his  father,  to  the  care  of  his  mother,  and  it  may 


JOHN   GOSS.  513 

be  said,  without  exaggeration,  that  few  such  mothers  are  found. 
She  not  only  struggled  against  the  trials  which  beset  her,  in  being 
left  with  a  large,  dependent  family  under  her  control,  but  it  was 
made  her  daily,  earnest  endeavor,  to  instill  into  the  minds  of  her 
children  those  principles  which  would  prepare  them  to  recognize 
their  relations  to  God. 

These  endeavors  were  not  vain.  Five  of  her  sons  became 
preachers  of  the  gospel.  Melancthon  was  in  early  life  a  cheerful, 
happy  boy,  and  remarkably  correct  in  all  his  habits.  He  loved, 
even  from  a  child,  to  read  the  Bible.  His  reverence  for  his  ex- 
cellent mother  was  observable  to  all.  He  remained  on  the  farm," 
toiling  with  his  own  hands  to  assist  his  mother  in  her  cares  and 
responsibilities.  In  his  nineteenth  year  he  made  a  profession  of 
religion,  and  united  with  Malone's  Baptist  Church,  under  the  care 
of  Elder  J.  C.  Bailey. 

He  soon  began  to  exercise  his  gift  in  addressing  his  fellow-men, 
and  was  licensed  by  the  church.  By  diligent  endeavors  he  pro- 
cured the  means  of  pursuing  a  limited  course  of  study  at  Richmond 
College,  and  finally  located  in  Charlotte  County,  in  connection 
with  several  churches,  as  their  supply.  He  entered  with  all  his 
might  into  the  work.  In  one  of  his  earnest  appeals  a  blood-vessel 
was  ruptured,  which  caused  his  death  in  the  twenty-ninth  year  of 
his  age.  In  his  last  hours,  the  same  cheerful  confidence  in  God 
his  Saviour  which  had  distinguished  him  in  health  was  evinced. 
He  was  not  afraid  to  die. 

As  a  preacher,  he  made  no  pretensions  to  remarkable  talent  or 
learning.  But  an  excellent  spirit  was  in  him.  He  loved  his 
Divine  Master,  and  sought  to  please  and  honor  him. 


JOHN    GOSS. 


ALTHOUGH  it  has  been  found  impossible  to  secure  definite  infor- 
mation concerning  the  history  of  ELDER  JOHN  GOSS,  the  author 
is  not  satisfied  altogether  to  pass  by  the  valuable  service  he  ren- 
dered among  his  compeers  in  the  ministry  of  Virginia.  We  find 


5H  JOHN  GOSS. 

him,  as  early  as  the  year  1817,  one  of  the  most  active  laborers 
within  the  limits  of  the  Albemarle  Association.  Ho\v  long  before 
this  period  he  professed  religion,  or  entered  the  ministry,  it  is  not 
in  our  power  to  determine.  Two  or  three  peculiarities  in  refer- 
ence to  him  may  be  specially  mentioned. 

He  exercised  a  large  influence  in  the  region  where  he  lived,  and 
the  Association  with  which  he  was  connected.  His  uniform  piety 
and  natural  strength  of  mind  contributed  to  this  influence.  His 
views  of  all  those  great  truths  in  which  the  Baptists  as  a  people 
have  gloried,  are  said  to  have  been  remarkably  clear  and  decided. 
While  the  Divine  Sovereignty,  and  the  all-potent  efficiency  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  in  conversion,  as  taught  in  the  Scriptures,  were  urged, 
he  yielded  not  to  the  idea  that  human  responsibility  is  therefore 
to  be  set  at  naught.  The  blame  of  the  sinner's  destruction  was 
attributed  to  him,  while  his  salvation  was  recognized  as  of  God. 
As  an  expositor  of  the  Divine  word,  he  was  clear  and  forcible. 
It  need  not,  therefore,  be  regarded  as  unnatural,  that  he  should 
occupy  a  high  place  in  the  affections  of  his  brethren. 

His  interest  in  the  mission  cause  is  indicated  in  a  circular  letter 
written  by  him.  With  becoming  elation  of  spirit,  he  contemplates 
the  wonderful  openings  furnished  in  the  providence  of  God,  and 
urges  upon  his  brethren  the  importance  of  united  and  vigorous 
endeavors  to  spread  the  gospel. 

He  was,  at  different  times,  called  to  preside  over  the  Albemarle 
Association.  We  regret  that  all  our  attempts  to  secure  further 
information  concerning  him  have  been  vain. 


END   OP   SECOND    SERIES. 


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